HC Deb 05 March 2003 vol 400 cc1094-5W
Julie Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new instructions have been issued to prison and social service staff as a result of the judicial review brought by the Howard League for Penal Reform on the Children's Act. [100282]

Hilary Benn

[holding answer 3 March 2003]: Following the High Court judgment in the judicial review brought by the Howard League on the application of the Children Act 1989 to children in young offender institutions (YOIs), guidance has been issued to all Area Managers, Governors and Directors, with responsibilities for children in custody. The guidance states that the Act does apply to children in YOIs and the duties imposed on local authorities do not cease to arise merely because a child is in a YOI.

The possible need for further guidance for other audiences is being considered as part of the Government's response to Recommendation 2.8 of the Joint Chief Inspectors' report 'Safeguarding Children'. which recommends that the Home Office and the Youth Justice Board should issue revised guidance to the Prison Service and the area child protection committee member organisations on the requirements and arrangements to safeguard children in prisons and YOI.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many young people in prison are on the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme(a) in each prison and (b) in total; and if he will make a statement; [99786]

(2) how many young people in prison have achieved a Duke of Edinburgh award (a) in each prison and (b) in total in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [99785]

Hilary Benn

Full awards under the Duke of Edinburgh scheme in Prison Service establishments holding juveniles and young offenders over the period August 2001—February 2003 inclusive are set out in the table. Information on awards obtained before August 2001 is not available. Information on the number of individual prisoners undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme is not recorded centrally.

Establishments Bronze Award Silver Award
Aylesbury 4
Bullwood Hall 8
Castington 2
Deerbolt 10
Doncaster 4
Feltham 10
Moorland 11
Onley 9
Swinfen Hall 10
Thorn Cross 4
Wetherby 8 1