§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans to increase the capacity of his Department's secure units for youths detained under section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe placement of young people sentenced under section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. Where placement in the child care system is appropriate, such young people may be accommodated in youth treatment centres directly administered by the Department or in secure accommodation within local authority community homes. There are no plans to build further youth treatment centres. It is open to local authorities to apply for grants to provide additional secure accommodation places if they believe a need exists.