§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to allow bail hostels to be run by private operators; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenWe are examining how private sector involvement in the provision of bail accomodation, including bail hostels, can be increased but no decisions have yet been taken.
§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he gives on the establishment of bail hostels in communities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe role of the Home Office in the setting up of individual bail hostels is confined to approving a proposal for funding. It is for local probation committees to decide the location of a bail hostel, obtain the appropriate planning consents and negotiate the purchase.
§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the amount of money made available for bail hostels in west Yorkshire for the years 1989–90 to 1990–91.
§ Mr. John PattenCapital provision of up to £735,000 has been made available for additional bail and probation—bail hostel places in west Yorkshire in 1989–90. The allocation for 1990–91 is not yet decided.