HC Deb 07 November 1995 vol 265 cc828-9W
Ms Armstrong

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now outline the measures he proposes to take following the court hearing of 26 September to ensure that the secure training centres conform to the Children Act 1989 and the volume 4 guidance and regulations. [41370]

Mr. Maclean

[holding answer 6 November 1995]: Secure training centres will be regulated by secure training centre rules as provided for in section 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, and contract terms. Secure training centre rules will be made by statutory instrument shortly before the first centres open, and it is intended that they will take account for the principles on which the Children Act 1989 is based.

Volume 4 of the Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations produced by the Department of Health for children's homes will not apply to secure training centres. However, it is a source document for the development of the rules.

Ms Armstrong

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to complete the signing of the first two contracts for secure training centres; and if he will lodge the relevant documents in the Library, with particular reference to information which indicates how the contracts comply with the Children Act 1989. [41371]

Mr. Maclean

[holding answer 6 November 1995]: The signing of the first two contracts for the provision of secure training centres at Gringley, Nottinghamshire, and at Cookham Wood, Kent will take place as soon as possible after completion of negotiations with tenderers. The final signed contract documents will be placed in the Library. These documents will not contain commercially confidential information such as costs or prices.

Mr. Illsley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to increase the security of the Needlewood centre in Barnsley to accommodate young offenders. [41366]

Mr. Bowis

I have been asked to reply.

Responsibility for the arrangements for the accommodation of young persons in the Needlewood centre, Barnsley, lies with Barnsley metropolitan borough council. The hon. Gentleman may wish to contact the chairman of the social services committee of the council.