§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to increase the usage of bail hostels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenResources are being provided for the creation of about 500 new bail places at approved hostels by April 1991. The attention of the courts was drawn, in Home Office circular 25/1988 issued on 11 May 1988, to the range of bail hostel accommodation facilities available for persons whom they might be considering for the grant of bail.
A consultation paper on "Bail Accommodation and Secure Bail Hostels" was issued on 13 February 1989. The paper discusses the purpose and use of existing accommodation for bailees and the concept of a more secure type of hostel for those defendants who may currently be remanded in custody because of a lack of suitable bail places. The closing date for responses is 9 May 1989.