HC Deb 20 June 1977 vol 933 cc389-90W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to phase out the use of unruly certificates for boys of 14 years; and if he is satisfied with progress on ending the remand of all schoolchildren aged 14 to 16 years.

Mr. John

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services will shortly be consulting with local authorities on the next step in the programme of phasing out the remand of young people to Prison Department establishments under certificates of unruliness in the light of local authorities' experience in accepting 14-year-old girls. Although I shall not be content until all these remands are ended I am satisfied that the Government are making as much progress as is possible in the light of local authorities' facilities and resources.