HC Deb 31 October 1979 vol 972 cc561-2W
Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of young offenders who have attended Glenochil detention centre; and how many of them, after their release, have committed further crimes.

Mr. Rifkind

Between July 1966 and the end of 1978 12,388 youths were received into Glenochil detention centre. No detailed figures are available showing how many of these, after their release, have committed further crimes. It is, however, known that about 20 per cent. of those who leave detention centres receive further custodial sentences, or are recalled to custody, within a year of liberation; that is while they are still under statutory supervision.

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many complaints of assault have been received from young people detained in Glenochil detention centre; and what was the result of the investigations of those complaints.

Mr. Rifkind

Since the detention centre opened in 1966 five cases of assaults on inmates have been reported. Three of these related to reports of assaults by other inmates and two were reported assaults by members of staff. Of the assaults by other inmates, one was disposed of by the Governor, when the inmate lost seven days' remission of sentence: the other two were reported to the police, and subsequently prosecuted, when both inmates were admonished. Both cases involving allegations of assault against inmates by members of staff were referred to the police. One case went to court where there was a verdict of not guilty and the other was not proceeded with because the evidence was insufficient.

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many deaths have occurred of young people in Glenochil detention centre; and what was the cause of death in each case.

Mr. Rifkind

Since the detention centre opened in 1966 one inmate has died while in custody. This was in 1967 and the cause of death was acute diabetes.

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what evidence he has that the treatment of young offenders in Glenochil detention centre is more successful than other forms of treatment of young offenders.

Mr. Rifkind

There is no detailed statistical evidence to prove or disprove how successful the general and individual deterrent effect of detention centre training at Glenochil might be. The Government are, however, most firmly of the view that the type of regime at the Glenochil detention centre, with its accent on discipline, attainment and self-respect, has beneficial effects on the youths who experience it.