HC Deb 09 May 1949 vol 464 cc81-2W
Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of prison and Borstal establishments which were in use for men and boys, and women and girls, respectively, in 1939, and the number in use at the present time.

Mr. Ede

The numbers are as follows:

1939 1949
Prisons:
Men 30 37
Women (a) 7 8
TOTAL 37 45
Borstals (b):
Boys 10 16
Girls 1 4
TOTAL 11 20
(a) The majority of women's prisons are located in separate parts of men's prisons set aside for the purpose. In this table they are shown, however, as separate prisons.
(b) Certain Borstals are located in separate parts of prisons; these also are shown as separate establishments.

Mrs. Paton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of girls at present in Borstal Institutions after absconding from approved schools to which they had been committed as being in need of care or protection.

Mr. Ede

Twenty-three. One other girl had been found guilty of criminal offences as well as being in need of care or protection and a further five had been found to be beyond the control of their parents or guardians.