§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are being taken to tackle and reduce crimes committed by juveniles in Wales.
§ Mr. JackThe Government have encouraged the police and other agencies in the development of effective crime prevention programmes aimed at tackling youth crime and has funded a number of initiatives. The Welsh Office have approved support of over £500,000 under the urban programme in the current financial year for crime prevention and associated initiatives in Wales. Bids for new projects to start in 1993–94 are presently under consideration. In addition, the Welsh Office has funded the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders over the last three financial years to work with local authorities in south east Wales to develop strategies to combat juvenile crime. As part of its programme of action on youth crime for 1993, Crime Concern is planning a series of regional seminars, including one in Wales, on best practice in diverting young people from crime.
The Government are also considering what means might be needed to reduce offending by the very small group of persistent juvenile offenders.