HC Deb 26 April 1999 vol 330 c70W
23. Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on conditions in young offender institutions in England and Wales. [80974]

Mr. George Howarth

Conditions in young offender institutions in England and Wales vary greatly between, and even within, some establishments. Some are of a high standard while others are in need of considerable improvement. The Government have demonstrated their commitment to improve conditions by, for example, the provision of an additional £51 million over three years for the under-18 estate and its regimes, and through the inclusion of 12 young offender institutions in the welfare-to-work initiative.