§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has any plans to change the custodial arrangements for young adult offenders in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. AlisonI have, on careful consideration, formed the view that since the opening of the modern, purpose-built young offenders' centre in Northern Ireland, the indeterminate sentence of borstal training is no longer a necessary form of short custodial sentence for young adult offenders. I shall therefore be proposing legislation in the new year for the abolition of borstal training in Northern Ireland. Where courts impose longer sentences (of three years or more) these will as at present be served in prison.