HC Deb 20 November 1978 vol 958 c513W
Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he remains satisfied that all procedures relating to young offenders for which he is responsible allow for the services of community schools to be utilised fully.

Mr. Moyle

Local authorities are responsible for young offenders subject to care orders. They have a duty to give first consideration to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in their care, though they may act in a manner which may not be consistent with that duty if it appears to them necessary for the protection of members of the public. Such a duty does not imply that particular facilities must be fully utilised.

Full utilisation of community homes with education on the premises—CHEs —depends on relating the number and type of places to the demand for them by local authorities. Regional planning committees are currently revising their regional plans and in the process will be reviewing the likely demand for CHE places.