HC Deb 21 May 1975 vol 892 cc407-8W
Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date Michael Johnson, aged 15 years, was committed by the juvenile court to the Crown Court; on what date his case was heard; and for what period during each day of his detention in Brock Hill Remand Centre he was kept locked in his cell.

Dr. Summerskill

This boy was received in custody, on committal to the Crown Court, on 23rd October 1974. On 21st March 1975 the court exercised its power under Section 1 of the Powers of Criminal Courts Act 1973 to defer passing sentence on him for a period of six months. He enjoyed full association for work, recreation and education during his stay at Brock Hill. The period for which he was located in his cell during the day varied between 2½ hours and 4 hours.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many children under the age of 14 years were in remand centres in the last month and year, respectively, for which figures are available;

(2) where and for how long each of the children under 14 years of age were held in the last month and year, respectively, for which figures are available.

Dr. Summerskill

During the month ending 11th May 1975, two children under the age of 14 years were in a remand centre. These were the only two such children received in a prison department establishment in the year up to that date. Both were held for 47 days in Thorpe Arch Remand Centre, of which four days were in the final month.