HC Deb 11 December 1990 vol 182 cc331-2W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on the provision of secure accommodation for 15 and 16-year-olds.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

Our officials are currently conducting a review of secure child care, including secure accommodation, in Wales. They have sought and received views on the provision of secure accommodation for young people from the chief executives of the county councils in Wales; from the chief constables, chief probation officers, chief Crown prosecutors and clerks to the magistrates in the Principality; and from select voluntary organisations. In addition we have received a small number of letters from other interested parties, from members of the public and from right hon. and hon. Members. All representations received are being taken fully into account in the review.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what changes he intends to announce to increase the amount of secure accommodation in Wales for youngsters of 15 and 16 years.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

I refer the hon. Gentleman to my earlier reply of today. All options for improvement in secure child care practice in Wales are being considered in the Department's review of this area. In particular, the review will assess need for secure accommodation and will consider how that need might be met in the future. We have asked for the review to be completed early in the new year.