§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of those aged under 18 years being detained on youth custody orders at present in Winson Green prison, Birmingham; what were the numbers in November of 1981 and 1982; what steps he proposes to ensure that youths are not kept in prison; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdOn 30 September 1983, the latest date for which information is available, there were about 25 youth custody trainees aged under 18 in Her Majesty's prison Birmingham. There were approximatel 10 young prisoners and borstal trainees aged under 18 in that establishment on 30 November 1982 and about 20 on 30 November 1981. As expected, the youth custody centres cannot hold all young offenders sentenced to youth custody arid accordingly a substantial number have to be held in prison accommodation. In accordance with section 12 of the Criminal Justice Act 1982, priority in the use of youth custody centre places is accorded to youth custody trainees with sentences between four and 18 months and to juveniles with sentences not less than 21 days. In view of the shortage of youth custody centre places and the high level of vacancies in the detention centres plans are being made to change some detention centre accommodation to use for youth custody. In the longer term additional youth custody centre places will become available under the prison building programme.