§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many juvenile offenders can be accommodated in secure units in the United Kingdom as a whole; and if there are any plans to increase the number of units.
§ Mr. FreemanSecure accommodation in England is provided by local authorities and directly by the Department of Health in youth treatment centres. Such accommodation is available for children in care generally, some of whom will he juvenile offenders. Young people who have been convicted of grave crimes, and sentenced to be detained under section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, may also be placed in such accommodation.
The number of places available in approved secure units in England on 31 December 1988 was 294. A number of secure units, providing a further 46 places, were temporarily closed on that date because of rebuilding/refurbishment work. In addition, there were 60 secure places in the youth treatment centres.
A number of local authorities have brought forward proposals to expand provision which are being actively considered.
Information relating to Wales and Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and Northern Ireland and for Scotland for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.