§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent training is given in the use of firearms to the inmates of borstals or other penal institutions; at which institutions such training is given; if he will indicate the extent of the training and the types of weapons used; what security arrangements are in force; if he is satisfied with the adequacy of these arrangements; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations his Department has received concerning training in the use of firearms at borstal institutions; what 233W replies have been made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingI asked the Advisory Council on the Penal System to review this practice in England and I have now received their advice. The Council points out that the military life for which cadet training is primarily designed is now remote from any conditions which young offenders are likely to encounter after release; they do not wish to exaggerate the dangers involved in weapon training but they feel that at best it is an irrelevant form of training for young offenders and that at worst it invites a familiarity with firearms which could well be misapplied. They suggest that borstal institutions should therefore withdraw from this form of training.
I have accepted this advice and arrangements are being made for the two units which remain in England to be disbanded.