HC Deb 25 July 1991 vol 195 cc794-5W
Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy that young people on remand should be dealt with in such a way as to maximise public protection and minimise serious re-offending while ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Mr. John Patten

The Government's policy is to ensure that the courts have the powers they need to deal properly with juvenile defendants having regard to all relevant matters including the protection of the public and the prevention of offending. The Criminal Justice Bill makes the necessary provision.

Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is currently(a) the average cost, (b) the highest cost and (c) the lowest cost per week of holding a young person on remand in secure accommodation which is provided (i) in premises other than prison accommodation and (ii) in various types of prison accommodation.

Mrs. Rumbold

Information about remand prisoners is not held separately.

The average weekly cost of holding a juvenile in a closed youth establishment in 1989–90 was £346. At the establishments with the highest and lowest costs the average weekly costs were £450 and £260 respectively.

Information about non-prison service establishments is not available.

Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the alternatives to secure accommodation he is currently considering in respect of young people on remand.

Mr. John Patten

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health is establishing a national steering group which will consider the practical arrangements for dealing with remanded juveniles under the Criminal Justice Bill.