Juvenile Delinquency

Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 10 Mehefin 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Hector Hughes Mr Hector Hughes , Aberdeen North 12:00, 10 Mehefin 1947

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many remand homes for boys and girls there are in Scotland; where are they situated; how many boys and girls, respectively, each has accommodated yearly during the last 10 years and for what periods; what records he has of the success of the treatment and after careers of the boys and girls treated in these remand homes; and if he will make a statement on this manner of dealing with juvenile delinquents in Scotland.

Photo of Mr Joseph Westwood Mr Joseph Westwood , Stirling and Falkirk District of Burghs

Information as to the number and situation of remand homes is published in the relevant report of the Scottish Advisory Council on the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Offenders, of which I have sent my hon. and learned Friend a copy; and I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the total number of admissions to these homes during the past 10 years. Separate figures for each home and information as to the length of stay and subsequent career of each individual case are not available. As regards the last part of the Question, I am in general agreement with the views expressed in the Report of the Advisory Committee.

Photo of Mr Hector Hughes Mr Hector Hughes , Aberdeen North

As the whole purpose of these schemes is to assist boys and girls from delinquency to good citizenship, will the Secretary of State say what he is doing to help them in providing constructive employment, which is badly needed at present?

Photo of Mr Joseph Westwood Mr Joseph Westwood , Stirling and Falkirk District of Burghs

I have already indicated that I am giving consideration to the Report of the Advisory Committee with a view to doing everything possible to help these boys and girls.

Photo of Mr Hector Hughes Mr Hector Hughes , Aberdeen North

Are there no schemes in existence for the after care of these young people?

Following is the table:

Year.Children.Young PersonsTotal.
M.F.M.F.
1937414358321191,400
1938317247721181,231
193938717739801,223
1940708309741221,834
1941749481.1341602,091
1942833711,2471772,328
1943845681,3091952,417
1944712721,4321962,412
1945790621,4982052,555
1946708401.3321542,234