HL Deb 17 May 2000 vol 613 cc20-1WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton of 12 April (WA 49), what is their estimate for the period of time it will take for young women aged (a) 15 to 16 and (b) 17 to be placed in non-Prison Service accommodation. [HL2340]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

Much will depend on the demand for secure places. The Government are strengthening the community-based options available to the courts where the seriousness of the offence or the need to protect the public does not warrant the use of custody. The Youth Justice Board will place as many sentenced girls aged 15 to 17 as it can in non-Prison Service accommodation over the next year. It considers the process may take two years to complete.