HC Deb 05 May 1960 vol 622 cc91-2W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young male offenders will be able to be accommodated at one time in the 12 detention centres now existing or planned; what is the estimated capital cost of each place provided for young male offenders at the proposed new detention centres for which estimates have been accepted; and what is the annual cost of maintaining each place at the four existing detention centres.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The existing and planned detention centres will accommodate about 950 male offenders. The estimated capital cost of each place in the new detention centres is about £1,500. The cost of maintaining each place in the existing centres in 1958–59 was about £640.

Sir R. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many magistrates' courts in England and Wales will be able to send young male offenders to a senior detention centre after the present programme of providing a total of 12 detention centres is complete; how many will then be able to send young male offenders to a junior detention centre; and what are the higher and lower age limits for senior and junior detention centres.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The programme is intended to enable all magistrates' courts in England and Wales to commit young offenders aged 14 and under 21 to detention centres. Junior centres are for those aged 14 and under 17 and senior centres for those aged 17 and under 21.