§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the cost of rectifying the work of vandals on local authority houses, he will issue a circular to local authorities recommending that they consider installing an entry-phone system in both multi-storey and maisonette dwellings, having regard to the easy access to the entrances of such dwellings.
§ Mr. FreesonI have asked the Department to examine the usefulness of the few entry phone systems so far installed by local authorities in multi-storey blocks. In the light of the findings, and of current financial restrictions, I shall gladly consider whether I can usefully issue guidance.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will send a circular to local authorities advising them as to the ways of reducing vandalism in multi-storey blocks within council estates by encouraging more preventive work especially among young people through the employment of detached youth workers.
34W
§ Mr. FreesonI recognise the rôle that detached youth workers can play in the social education of young people and hence, in an indirect way, in reducing vandalism. It would not, however, be appropriate to issue guidance to local authorities while the review of the needs of young people and the räle of the youth service, currently being conducted by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science, is in progress.