Fir Tree Grange Probation Hostel (Hansard, 19 January 1994)

§ Ms Armstrong
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from magistrates, the police and the probation service concerning his decision to close Fir Tree Grange approved probation hostel.

§ Mr. Maclean
No direct representations have been received from the police; representations have however been made by Easington magistrates court and by a Member of Parliament and a Member of the European Parliament on behalf of members of Durham probation service. A 234-name petition against closure, including signatories from all three of these areas, has also been received.

§ Ms Armstrong
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who was consulted before the decision was taken to close Fir Tree Grange approved probation hostel.

§ Mr. Maclean
For reasons of confidentiality it was not appropriate for consultation outside the Department to take place in advance of the Chancellor's autumn statement.

§ Ms Armstrong
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations he has received(a) in support of and (b) in opposition to the closure of Fir Tree Grange approved probation hostel.

§ Mr. Maclean
(a) None, (b) four, plus a 234-name petition.