§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's policy on boot camps for young offenders; and what progress is being made in its implementation. [21752]
§ Miss WiddecombeOur policy is to pilot two tough, disciplined and demanding new regimes for young offenders which are intended to break the cycle of reoffending.
Last September, my right hon. and learned Friend announced details of the first of these pilots, the high-intensity training regime at Thorn Cross young offender institution in Cheshire which will take its first inmates in the summer.
High-intensity training will provide the discipline which young offenders need. It will also equip them with skills they must have for the world of work, and it will tackle their anti-social attitudes by making them face up to what they have done and accept responsibility for it.
I hope shortly to make an announcement about a second pilot regime.