§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what provisions presently exist (a) in Cumbria and (b) in the Northern Region to provide secure accommodation specifically for juvenile offenders; what proposals exist for improving the provision; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenNone exists in Cumbria at present. Relatively few local authorities maintain secure accommodation which is expensive and requires staff with special skills. The Children and Young Persons Act 1969 provides for authorities to co-operate through regional planning committees in planning the provision of accommodation for children. In the 287W Northern Regional Planning Area, of which Cumbria is a part, there are at present four places for girls at the intensive care unit in Benton Grange, Newcastle and 14 places for boys and girls at Royston House, Aycliffe, Co. Durham. There are in addition 10 separation rooms for internal, short-term use in other community homes throughout the region. In 1975–76 provisional approval has been given for a proposed central secure unit of 36 places at Aycliffe, and an intensive care unit of three places in Axwell Park, an observation and assessment centre in Newcastle. Both will provide accommodation for boys and girls.
My right hon. Friend has recently taken power in the Children Act 1975 to make grants to local authorities in respect of expenditure incurred in providing secure accommodation, and it is hoped that the use of this power will encourage local authorities to provide more secure accommodation where required.