Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the number of young people given a youth custody order exceeds the planned accommodation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdIn accordance with section 12 of the Criminal Justice Act 1982 priority in the use of youth custody centre places is accorded to youth custody trainees with sentences between four and 18 months and to juveniles with sentences not less than 21 days. On 30 September 1983 the total number of remaining young prisoners and youth custody trainees was about 8,370 and the certified normal accommodation of the youth custody centres was 7,126. In view of the shortage of youth custody centre places, plans are being made to change some detention centre accommodation to use for youth200W custody centre. In the longer term additional youth custody places will become available under the prison building programme.