§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of the visit sponsored by his Department to the United States in May1240W 1994 to look at boot camps; when he intends to publish the findings and conclusions; and what response he has made. [17985]
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe total cost of the visit by prison officials and a social services inspector was £16,443. The findings and conclusions were presented to Ministers as advice and it is not proposed to publish them. I have asked the Prison Service to bring forward proposals for a pilot regime to be set up in a young offender institution in this country, based on the more positive aspects of boot camps and on approaches that are known to be successful with young offenders. When my right hon. and learned Friend and I have received and considered them and agreed the way forward, an announcement will be made.