§ Mr. Ancramasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the numbers of school pupils in Scotland who, having reached their sixteenth birthday during the 576W establishment. Responsibility for probation and after-care lies with regional and islands councils, and it is for them to decide on the provision of hostels in any particular area.
§ Mr. Ancramasked the Secretary of State for Scotland upon what basis he decided upon the restriction, set out in circular No. SW 1/1981, on grants under section 79 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980.
§ Mr. John MackayThe 80 per cent. level of grant represents a fair balance between central and local government in contributing to the total cost of providing hostels. As grant-holder, the local authority is responsible for the proper administration and use of the funds provided.
§ Mr. Ancramasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the provision of probation hostels in Scotland.
§ Mr. John MackayLocal authorities and voluntary organisations will continue to be encouraged to take advantage of the financial assistance available for this purpose.
§ Mr. Ancramasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how the provision of probation hostels in Scotland compares with the provision in England and Wales.
§ Mr. John MackayI refer my hon. Friend to a reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department about the provision in England and Wales.—[Vol. 32, c. 494.] There are two hostels specifically for offenders under supervision in Scotland, but it is common practice to make use for this purpose of hostel accommodation provided for a range of client groups.