§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will be assuming responsibility under section 34 of the Criminal Justice Act 1972 for the designation of the proposed overnight shelters as alternative to police cells.
§ Mr. MayhewYes.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the proposed overnight shelters will have the minimum provisions of unrestricted admission, a professional member of staff always on duty, a doctor on call, a counselling service available and arrangements for a voluntary move into a long-term rehabilitation programme or accommodation.
§ Mr. MayhewArrangements for the shelters, which will take account of their function and local circumstances, are still being developed.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the overnight shelter at Bordersley is yet in operation; and if the site for a shelter in London has now been confirmed.
§ Mr. MayhewThe centre at Bordersley has not yet opened. Negotiations for a London centre in the Vauxhall area are still in progress.