Rule 43 Prisioners

Mr. Cox
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of inmates in prisons in England and Wales who were segregated under rule 43 on 1 November; and what was the period of time of each segregation.

Mrs. Rumbold
The latest readily available information is given in the table.In addition the Home Office safer cities programme is funding a number of schemes across the country aimed at providing educational and recreational activities for young people, and we envisage that local activities to occupy young people will be an important theme of our Crime Prevention Week 1991. This will be held from 15 to 20 April.

Mr. Kirkwood
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list grants and other support  made available by his Department to organisations, statutory and voluntary, that exist to tackle the incidence of juvenile crime; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten
The Home Office safer cities programme, operating through 16 local crime prevention projects in England, makes grants for activities and facilities for young people to reduce their likely involvement in crime and anti-social activity. I will send the hon. Member a list. The probation service, which is 80 per cent. funded by central Government, is involved in some areas in crime prevention activities which may include juveniles. Some probation services supervise juveniles on court orders.

Mr. Kirkwood
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research is being conducted by his Department into the cause of the current high levels of juvenile crime.

Mr. John Patten
The number of known juvenile offenders has fallen steadily over recent years by more than we would expect from purely demographic changes. Juvenile crime rates have fallen also. Much research has already been done on the cause of crime, including juvenile crime. The current emphasis is on projects aimed at helping young people become more responsible citizens.

Mr. Kirkwood
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support is available to families who are unable to control the criminal activities of their juvenile children.

Mr. John Patten
Under the Children Act 1989, there is provision for local authorities to make available advice, guidance, counselling and other services in respect of children in need in their area.