§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has received to support the need for the creation of secure training centres; and if he will publish these reports.
§ Mr. MacleanThe Home Office commissioned two pieces of research on persistent young offenders, both of which confirmed the existence of a small number of young people who are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime.
The first was a survey of police forces undertaken by the Home Office during 1992. It is contained in annex B to the memorandum of evidence submitted for the sixth report from the Home Affairs Select Committee, Session 1992–93: HC441-II, "Juvenile Offenders".
The second was commissioned from the Policy Studies Institute and is entitled "Persistent Young Offenders". Its findings were published in February 1994.
§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what bids he has received for the running of the secure training centres.
§ Mr. MacleanTwenty-five organisations have indicated an interest in tendering to finance, build or refurbish, operate and maintain secure training centres. We expect to receive firm bids in response to invitations to tender, the first of which will issue within a few weeks.