To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the Written Ministerial Statement of 12 July 2007, Official Report, column 69WS, on Oakhill Secure Training Centre, what recent assessment he has made of staff levels at secure training centres. (150621)

The contracts with the operating companies specify minimum staffing levels. These assume that the centre is operating at full capacity.

Hassockfield, Medway and Rainsbrook met minimum staffing levels throughout the period 1 June to 8 July. During this period, there were three days on which staffing levels at Oakhill fell below the minimum staffing level. However, on each of these days there was a sufficient number of staff to care for and work with the number of young people who were placed at the centre at that time.

The issue of staffing shortfalls is being addressed by the Oakhill contractor, Group 4 Securicor. The contractor has drawn up a recovery plan which the Youth Justice Board is monitoring. The Board is working with the contractor on the implementation of the action plan.