§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many secure accommodation places there are for juvenile offenders in Wales; [142586]
(2) if he will make it his policy to increase the number of secure accommodation places for juvenile offenders in Wales. [142583]
§ Mr. BoatengThe only Welsh secure accommodation currently available for juvenile offenders is at Hillside, a local authority secure unit in Neath. 14 of its 18 places are provided under a block contract with the Youth Justice Board, and when they are available the Board can also spot purchase from among the remaining four places.
The Board aims to expand capacity in Wales by 2003–04 through its commissioning strategy. It is currently examining possible sites and also in discussion with the Prison Service.