HC Deb 04 March 1998 vol 307 c627W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the effect on 15 and 16-year-old offenders of sharing a secure young offender unit with offenders in the age group 17 to 21 years; [31279]

(2) if he will reduce the age range of the intake at Feltham Young Offender Unit. [31262]

Ms Quin

No final assessment has been made of the effect on 15 and 16-year old offenders of sharing a secure young offender unit with offenders in the age group 17 to 21 years. However, the Government take the view, which has also been taken in Court Judgments and by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, that separation of juveniles is desirable. The Government are also reviewing the juvenile secure estate as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Feltham is used exclusively for young offenders and is the only establishment which covers London. There are currently no plans to reduce the age range of its intake, but the Prison Service is reviewing provision for 15 to 17-year-olds.