Young Men (Prison Sentences)

Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 June 1964.

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Photo of Mr James Boyden Mr James Boyden , Bishop Auckland 12:00, 4 June 1964

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young men under 21 years of age were sent to prison during 1963; and how these figures compare with 1962, 1961, and 1951.

Photo of Miss Mervyn Pike Miss Mervyn Pike , Melton

As the Answer consists of a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Photo of Mr James Boyden Mr James Boyden , Bishop Auckland

Is there not a general deterioration? Will the hon. Lady consider much more active steps among magistrates, with Her Majesty's judges, to discuss the situation which these figures reveal so that more concerted steps can be taken to keep young men out of prison?

Photo of Miss Mervyn Pike Miss Mervyn Pike , Melton

We do regard this as a matter of urgency, and we are keeping magistrates in consultation with us all the time.

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore , Ayr

Will my hon. Friend remember that, on both sides of the House, we all intensely dislike the fact that young people can still be sent to prison? As I have frequently suggested, would not a good spanking on the behind meet the case far better?

Photo of Miss Mervyn Pike Miss Mervyn Pike , Melton

That is a much wider question.

Following are the figures:

MALES UNDER 21 YEARS RECEIVED UNDER SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT: 1951, 1961 AND 1962
YearIn default of payment of fineWithout the option of payment of fineTotal
6 months and under*Over 6 months
19511148333231,270
19614271,8637393,029
19624681,4677562,691
* Detention centres, as an alternative to imprisonment for 6 months and under, were available to certain courts in 1961 and 1962.

Figures for 1963 are not yet available.