HC Deb 11 February 1980 vol 978 c411W
Mr. John Page

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are now being taken to establish the tougher regimes pilot project in two detention centres.

Mr. Whitelaw

Detailed planning is being undertaken, and the pilot project will commence in or soon after 21 April 1980. To prepare the way for this, a circular is today being issued to the courts revising detention centre catchment areas with effect from 25 February 1980, giving general information about the regime, and indicating that, unless offenders are physically or mentally unfit for the regime, or are sentenced to periods of more than three months, those sentenced after 21 February who go to New Hall or Send detention centres may complete their sentences under the more rigorous regime. A copy of the circular is being placed in the Library of the House