§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedure applies to those under the age of criminal responsibility who are guilty of murder; and if he will review these procedures with a view to safeguarding members of the public.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesA child under the age of criminal responsibility cannot be guilty of murder. Any child may be brought before a juvenile court in care proceedings under Section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 if he is considered to be neglected, in moral danger or beyond the control of his parents, and if he is considered in need of care or control which he is unlikely to receive unless the court makes an order in respect of him: responsibility for these provisions rests primarily with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.