§ Mr. GunnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will indicate the number of secure places for young people aged under 18 years in England and Wales and their percentage occupancy in 1991–92; and whether she has plans to increase the number of places within the next two years.
§ Mr. YeoOn 30 September 1992 there were 290 secure places in local authority community homes in England. In addition, the youth treatment service runs two youth treatment centres providing 60 secure places.
Information about the use of local authority secure units, including numbers accommodated at the end of each month, is in the annual statistical publication "Children accommodated in secure units during the year ending 31 March". The latest available information covers the 12 months ending 31 March 1991. Copies are available in the Library.
369WDiscussions are currently being held with a range of local authorities to determine how the additional secure accommodation which will be required to implement fully the revised juvenile remand arrangements in the Criminal Justice Act 1991 might most effectively be provided.
The information relating to Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.