§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what studies his Department carried out of day centres for young offenders and discharged prisoners in England and Wales; if he will publish these; what conclusions have been drawn; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewA survey of day centres and their use by courts and the probation service has recently been completed. I am arranging for a copy of the report—Home Office research unit paper 4—to be placed in the Library of the House. The survey shows that the number of day centres is increasing; it describes the range of facilities offered and the way in which they are used. We welcome the development of this method of dealing with offenders in the community. Further research is planned into the effectiveness of day centres when used by courts as an alternative to imprisonment.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many day centres there are for young offenders and discharged prisoners in England and Wales; and if he will show the numbers in each region and the populations they are expected to serve.
§ Mr. MayhewThe latest available information shows that in February this year there were 79 day centres managed by the probation service or voluntary organisations which were open at least three days a week and which catered for offenders, including young 333W offenders, and for discharged prisoners under after-care supervision. I am writing to the hon. Lady about the geographical distribution of these centres.