§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance has been given to the national steering group on social service departments' role in the Criminal Justice Act on the need for an early report; and what studies are being conducted into the resource implications.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe first meeting of the national steering group is to be held on 8 November. A detailed timetable for the production of an action plan will be considered at that meeting. Members are aware of the need to complete their work by the time the main provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 are implemented in October 1992. Part of the group's remit will be to make an assessment of the additional resources required to enable the practice of remanding juveniles to penal establishments to be abolished.