Juvenile Offenders (Secure Places)

HC Deb 22 February 1993 vol 219 cc472-3W

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether she intends to privatise secure accommodation for young people.

Mr. Yeo

We have no plans to do so.

Mr. Tipping

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial assistance she proposes to give to local authorities for the staffing and running costs of secure places provided by them so that juvenile offenders are not sent to prison; from what sources such assistance will be provided; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Yeo

Financial assistance for the staffing and running costs of additional secure places managed by local authorities will be considered in the appropriate public expenditure surveys. Consideration will be given to seeking a transfer of part of the resources from the Home Office when the courts have power to direct remanded juveniles to secure accommodation.

Mr. Tipping

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 20 January,Official Report, column 319, what representations she has received that the proposed number of additional secure places for juvenile offenders is insufficient; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Yeo

A number of representations have been received from local authorities. We are satisfied that the estimate is based on the best possible information currently available. The position will be kept under review.