§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why Salop 230W County Council and the West Midlands Regional Planning Committee decided to close Boreatton Park Therapeutic Community for severely disturbed adolescent boys.
§ Mr. MoyleBoreatton Park would have required expensive repairs and modernisation if it had been retained in use as a community home. Shropshire County Council and the West Midlands Children's Regional Planning Committee have decided that it is better to develop alternatives to the home in a number of places much nearer the communities from which many of the boys come.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what alternative treatment will be provided for the boys now at Boreatton Park comparable to that now given, after its closure; and if he will ensure that the closure does not take place until alternative similar facilities are provided in the West Midlands.
§ Mr. MoyleThere are no longer any boys in residence. Earlier this year I sought and received an assurance from the West Midlands Children's Regional Planning Committee that satisfactory alternative placements were available for the boys for whom Boreatton Park provided.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the sum paid by the Salop County Council for Boreatton Park Approved School in 1973; what is the present estimated value of the estate of 200 acres; and to which authority the proceeds will go, if the estate is sold.
§ Mr. MoyleBoreatton Park was transferred to Shropshire County Council under paragraph 6 of Schedule 3 to the Children and Young Persons Act 1969. On transfer, the county council took over from the former managers an outstanding loan of £4,500 and also repaid my Department £18,818.89 in respect of grants made to the former managers. I understand that the present value of the estate is estimated by Shropshire County Council at £300,000, and if sold the proceeds will go to the county council.