§ Captain W. BENNasked the Home Secretary if he will state as to the number of separate places of detention provided 2161W or approved by the police authorities in England and Wales under Section 108 of the Children Act, 1908, for boys and girls, respectively, whether provision is made by all police authorities, and if definite arrangements have been made and approved for all petty sessional divisions; and if he can give information as to the type of accommodation approved for boys and girls, respectively, in such places of detention, classified as follows: In specially constructed premises; in living houses, etc, adapted for the purpose; in industrial schools; in workhouses or workhouse buildings; in police stations or on police premises; and in voluntary homes or institutions?
Mr. HENDERSONIt appears from the information in my possession that practically all police authorities have either provided places of detention or made arrangements for the reception of children as required. The number of cases, however, in many areas is so small that the provision of special premises is out of the question. I regret that I cannot give a complete classification of the accommodation provided, but a descriptive summary was given in Part IV of the Report of the Children's Branch of the Home Office issued last April. I will send the hon. and gallant Member a copy.