Hertfordshire Probation and Bail Hostel

HC Deb 26 February 1996 vol 272 c391W

Mr. Garel-Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response he has received to the proposed closure of the Hertfordshire probation and bail hostel in Watford; how many letters have been received about the proposed closure and if he will list them; and how many and what proportion are(a) in favour of closure and (b) opposed. [16630]

Mr. Sackville

Representations have been received from five Members of Parliament, the chairman of Hertfordshire probation committee, the Bishop of Hertford, the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, the high sheriff of Hertfordshire, the chairmen of the North Hertfordshire, Watford and St. Albans benches; the secretary of the south-west Hertfordshire young homeless group, the right noble Lord Parkinson of Carnforth and his honour Judge Colston QC. All these representations were opposed to the closure of the hostel.

However, in view of the sub-standard condition of the hostel and the fact that, over the last year, it has on average been two-thirds occupied, my right hon. and learned Friend decided last month that the hostel should close shortly.