0:00:00 > 0:00:01round-up at 11pm tonight in both Houses of parliament. First,
0:00:01 > 0:00:09questions to the Justice Secretary Liz Truss.Motion for an unopposed
0:00:09 > 0:00:18return. Questions to the Secretary of State for Justice.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30I will take questions one and 17 together, the Government has made it
0:00:30 > 0:00:38a top priority to ensure a smooth legal transition both in our
0:00:38 > 0:00:44negotiations and in domestic implementation.Can has what steps
0:00:44 > 0:00:50will his department take to ensure a review and possible reversal of ECJ
0:00:50 > 0:00:53rulings that have affected British companies and citizens once we have
0:00:53 > 0:01:00left the EU?We are taking back control of our laws, that is what
0:01:00 > 0:01:05the withdrawal built cars. Accountable to the voters in this
0:01:05 > 0:01:11House so the UK Supreme Court has the last word. We can revise, retain
0:01:11 > 0:01:15or appeal as we see fit any piece of retained law for the British
0:01:15 > 0:01:22interest.The CD UK report underlined the importance of the
0:01:22 > 0:01:31legal sector to the UK's economy and to the city. Whether contracts can
0:01:31 > 0:01:33continue to be enforced and respected across the European Union
0:01:33 > 0:01:43have to believe?-- after we leave. We make we're on our position paper
0:01:43 > 0:01:52that we want to maintain recognition of contractual judgments, family law
0:01:52 > 0:01:57disputes, supporting businesses and people on all sides.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05I happen talking to judges, barristers, campaigners. They all
0:02:05 > 0:02:11are terrified about what is going to happen if we leave the European
0:02:11 > 0:02:18Union to our justice system. Who is she talking to -- who is he talking
0:02:18 > 0:02:26to?Do not engage in scaremongering. I have told to practitioners, the
0:02:26 > 0:02:30judiciary, legal groups, we have set out our position. I would have
0:02:30 > 0:02:33thought the honourable gentleman would have welcomed that. We will
0:02:33 > 0:02:37make sure we have a smooth legal transition.Will the Minister
0:02:37 > 0:02:44confirm that it is his policy that the Court of Human Rights were still
0:02:44 > 0:02:53have jurisdiction over Britain after we leave the EU?We have no plans to
0:02:53 > 0:03:01withdraw from that of the Strasbourg court.Would he agree that we had an
0:03:01 > 0:03:05effective legal system before we joined the EU and we will have for
0:03:05 > 0:03:13many years after we leave?I take very seriously the concerns of those
0:03:13 > 0:03:17who think we need to mitigate the risks. That is what the EU
0:03:17 > 0:03:22Withdrawal Bill will do. But we have an opportunity to promote UK legal
0:03:22 > 0:03:28services on a global level and promoting the UK for international
0:03:28 > 0:03:31dispute settlements. We should grasp the opportunities and manage the
0:03:31 > 0:03:40risks.Last month, two weeks ago while debating the withdrawal built,
0:03:40 > 0:03:49it was said the UK's Court of Justice roll to be unchanged for two
0:03:49 > 0:03:56years after March 20 19th. Will the Minister confirm to the House that
0:03:56 > 0:04:01large part of the EU Withdrawal Bill including a repeal of the European
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Communities Act will not be able to be brought into force until the end
0:04:04 > 0:04:11of the implementation period?The position as set out in the EU
0:04:11 > 0:04:15Withdrawal Bill and she will know from Committee stage debates we will
0:04:15 > 0:04:19not pre-empt or prejudge the outcome of the negotiations. On either the
0:04:19 > 0:04:26withdrawal agreement by the implementation period.-- or the
0:04:26 > 0:04:34limitation period. Sky News reported that after Brexit the UK which is to
0:04:34 > 0:04:44stay and will remain in the EU Court of Justice. Will the Minister
0:04:44 > 0:04:49confirm that the Prime Minister's red line of no court of justice
0:04:49 > 0:04:56after Brexit is shown to be untenable?Second-hand reports she
0:04:56 > 0:05:02is relying on. We are not going to pre-empt the outcome of
0:05:02 > 0:05:08negotiations... I hope she will report support us in getting the
0:05:08 > 0:05:15best deal.The honourable member for Clacton has a similar question, I
0:05:15 > 0:05:24will not call him because he is not standing. He does not wish to ask.
0:05:26 > 0:05:34Elements of our civil and criminal law go back to the Magna Carta.
0:05:34 > 0:05:41Longer established any EU legal system and one of the most robust
0:05:41 > 0:05:46legal systems in the world and Brexit holds no fear for us?We have
0:05:46 > 0:05:51a rather different system through our common law system and variations
0:05:51 > 0:05:55across the UK. I think we should have the courage of our convictions,
0:05:55 > 0:05:59confidence in our democracy and when it comes to the judiciary, we want
0:05:59 > 0:06:03to see the UK Supreme Court at the last word on the laws of the land.
0:06:03 > 0:06:10Questionable two.-- question number two. A post-legislative memorandum
0:06:10 > 0:06:17has been alleged. We have launched a review of the act. That will be
0:06:17 > 0:06:25thorough, report by the summer recess.I visited Chamber of
0:06:25 > 0:06:31commerce in hole. The Minister said it cost the courts are much more
0:06:31 > 0:06:37money, so many people object to represent themselves. The president
0:06:37 > 0:06:49of the court said it was a false economy. -- first -- Hull. Would it
0:06:49 > 0:06:56save taxpayers money?I'm not sure the evidence is there to back up the
0:06:56 > 0:07:01assertions she has made. We provide a wide range of legal help, for
0:07:01 > 0:07:07example in civil and family cases. We spent £100 million on that last
0:07:07 > 0:07:11year including practical support, telephone helplines. On 20,000
0:07:11 > 0:07:20occasions last year. There is sources of legal advice available to
0:07:20 > 0:07:25them, including online.When changes to legal aid and family matters were
0:07:25 > 0:07:31made, it was said there would be growth in mediation but that has
0:07:31 > 0:07:34dropped massively. All the evidence indicates that is because early
0:07:34 > 0:07:39legal advice is a gateway intermediation for assistive parties
0:07:39 > 0:07:48and reduces the burden of the court. We need to be encouraging more
0:07:48 > 0:07:56alternative dispute resolution. We want to try and incentivise cases
0:07:56 > 0:08:01not going to the court, trauma for those involved. I do not think the
0:08:01 > 0:08:06as it is exclusively going to be around money, also the positive
0:08:06 > 0:08:10incentives we put in place.It is estimated that providing early legal
0:08:10 > 0:08:17help in family court cases would cost less than £14 million. Because
0:08:17 > 0:08:20as the honourable gentleman just said many cases would be resolved
0:08:20 > 0:08:26before getting to court. Why does the Minister continue to insist that
0:08:26 > 0:08:30this is not a cost-effective way of dealing with cases was Mac does he
0:08:30 > 0:08:35actually know how many cases are proceeding with litigants in person
0:08:35 > 0:08:42and how much that costs the court system?There is a range of support,
0:08:42 > 0:08:49£100 million in terms of early legal help. That can be both online,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53telephone support, representation. In terms of litigants in person, we
0:08:53 > 0:09:00have a strategy in relation to that, since 2015 have invested 5 million
0:09:00 > 0:09:04into litigants in person strategy. We can review this in the round
0:09:04 > 0:09:10through the review.We are a nation of laws but we must be one nation
0:09:10 > 0:09:14with access to justice for people from all backgrounds. Does he agree
0:09:14 > 0:09:19that the most careful thought should be given after the review to
0:09:19 > 0:09:22bolstering legal resources so we can have only advice and assistance for
0:09:22 > 0:09:28all?I thank my honourable friend, who makes a powerful point. We will
0:09:28 > 0:09:37look at this. We spend £1.6 billion on legal aid. A quarter of my
0:09:37 > 0:09:40department's Budget. More resources from elsewhere, the money must be
0:09:40 > 0:09:46found. We must look carefully as well as those issues at making sure
0:09:46 > 0:09:50we have the right allocation to support those in the greatest need.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54Wasn't the founding principle of legal aid full and free access to
0:09:54 > 0:10:01justice regardless of ability to pay? Hasn't that principle been
0:10:01 > 0:10:03eviscerated with the able assistance of Nick Clegg and his little
0:10:03 > 0:10:13liberals?Eyed EJB support for early legal help. I have said that some of
0:10:13 > 0:10:21the support for litigants in person. We provide £1.6 billion of help as
0:10:21 > 0:10:31well. Per capita, we are providing more legal aid than any other
0:10:31 > 0:10:35country in the EU.We have heard from the Law Society on early legal
0:10:35 > 0:10:41help, the president of the Supreme Court on early legal help. And the
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Labour manifesto backs early legal help. My honourable friend to ask
0:10:44 > 0:10:48questions on this and the Minister has said the evidence is in there. I
0:10:48 > 0:10:55want to help the Minister out. Can he showed he is not driven by
0:10:55 > 0:11:01ideology and agree to Commission an independent research into savings
0:11:01 > 0:11:08for early legal help to inform the review before next summer?We have
0:11:08 > 0:11:13the review in place and will take a wide range of advice, set up expert
0:11:13 > 0:11:17panels in order to make sure we get the best and proper advice. He
0:11:17 > 0:11:22should feel free to contribute. Based on his proposals, £400
0:11:22 > 0:11:24million, he needs to explain where the money will come from.
0:11:30 > 0:11:38With permission,I will take questions three and 13 together. We
0:11:38 > 0:11:42are investing over £1 million to make our justice system more
0:11:42 > 0:11:47sensitive to victims and witnesses and more accessible to average
0:11:47 > 0:11:54people.Rate is almost one year since I met Jill stay would. She was
0:11:54 > 0:11:59a tireless campaigner for victims of rape and sexual assault and she led
0:11:59 > 0:12:02the campaign which saw the end of accused rapists cross examining
0:12:02 > 0:12:09victims. Can my honourable friend outlined what progress is being made
0:12:09 > 0:12:12to extend the law to protect victims of domestic violence during trials
0:12:12 > 0:12:18in family courts?Can I pay tribute to the way she has championed this
0:12:18 > 0:12:25issue and to Jill for her campaigning in this area. We are
0:12:25 > 0:12:28ruling out section 28 pre-recorded cross examinations board vulnerable
0:12:28 > 0:12:34witnesses in the Crown Court. That will be rolled out initially in
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Leeds and Kingston upon Thames but there are plans for a national
0:12:37 > 0:12:40roll-out and we are planning to extend section 28 to family law
0:12:40 > 0:12:53courts.Critically, the victims, what support is available for adult
0:12:53 > 0:12:57and child rape victims after the verdict is heard? Can he outlined
0:12:57 > 0:13:04the process by which support is offered regardless of the verdict?
0:13:04 > 0:13:09In 2017 to 18 the Ministry of Justice allocated around £7 million
0:13:09 > 0:13:13as a contribution to 97 rate support sentences across England and Wales
0:13:13 > 0:13:19to provide support. We have also allocated £68 million to police
0:13:19 > 0:13:25services. That support remains available for victims after the
0:13:25 > 0:13:28conclusion of the trial as well as before and regardless of the
0:13:28 > 0:13:34verdict.The Minister has just mentioned that legislation outlined
0:13:34 > 0:13:37in the Queen's speech relating to this and in particular we are
0:13:37 > 0:13:43concerned about domestic violence victims and the family courts. When
0:13:43 > 0:13:46will we see that legislation introduced here on the floor of the
0:13:46 > 0:13:52House?The announcement was made in the Queen's speech, we will be able
0:13:52 > 0:13:57to say something on that shortly. Perpetrators of domestic violence
0:13:57 > 0:14:01are at present able to make abuse of process by bringing vexatious court
0:14:01 > 0:14:06actions against their victims, often cross examining them in person in
0:14:06 > 0:14:11civil and family courts. Will and when will the Minister consider
0:14:11 > 0:14:16bringing forward such legislation? The legislation was announced in the
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Queen's speech, we have a packed Parliamentary timetable at the
0:14:20 > 0:14:24moment with the EU legislation but we are committed to this and we will
0:14:24 > 0:14:29be announcing details soon.Earlier this year, the secretary of the two
0:14:29 > 0:14:34agreed to amend the course at to bring in crime every -- primary
0:14:34 > 0:14:38legislation to outlaw the cross-examination of victims by
0:14:38 > 0:14:43domestic abuse perpetrators so the timetable has been agreed. When will
0:14:43 > 0:14:49we bring in legislation to tackle this issue?As I have made clear in
0:14:49 > 0:14:53the macro answers, we are committed not just to because Bill but also to
0:14:53 > 0:14:57that specific reform and I look forward to having his support and
0:14:57 > 0:15:08honourable members on that side. Number five. Number four, Mr
0:15:08 > 0:15:27Speaker!Close!Accommodation is important, hundreds people leave
0:15:27 > 0:15:30prison without accommodation to go to. Accommodation on relief is a key
0:15:30 > 0:15:39priority in our prison reform programme.Given that this is on the
0:15:39 > 0:15:44statute book, is the Minister aware that privation officers can now
0:15:44 > 0:15:48register as associations of individuals and will he meet with me
0:15:48 > 0:15:52and the right to build task force so we can breathe him on how people
0:15:52 > 0:15:55building their own dwellings can transform lives and reduce
0:15:55 > 0:16:02reoffending rates? -- so we can brief him.I would be delighted to
0:16:02 > 0:16:06meet with him to listen to whatever creative solutions he can bring to
0:16:06 > 0:16:11the long-standing problem of accommodation for offenders.The
0:16:11 > 0:16:17joint report of the chief inspectors of prisons and probation looked
0:16:17 > 0:16:22through the gate services and showed that 10% of prisoners were homeless
0:16:22 > 0:16:27on their first night out of prison. Having a home is key to reducing
0:16:27 > 0:16:30reoffending so what assessment has the Minister made on those
0:16:30 > 0:16:35reoffending rates?The honourable member makes an important point and
0:16:35 > 0:16:41as I said in response to question number for it is a priority. We are
0:16:41 > 0:16:44looking at expanding accommodation and support services to include low
0:16:44 > 0:16:48risk offenders. We are looking at utilising Ministry of Justice
0:16:48 > 0:16:53capacity and expanding our premises programme and working closely with
0:16:53 > 0:16:58other governing departments in the Department for Communities and Local
0:16:58 > 0:17:06Government to solve this problem. Strongly supporting him, could the
0:17:06 > 0:17:09present Minister tell the House which construction companies at this
0:17:09 > 0:17:14and do offer fair opportunities to axe offenders in the construction
0:17:14 > 0:17:17sector and also tell us that those companies need a nudge in those
0:17:17 > 0:17:25areas?My honourable friend has pre-empted our employment strategy
0:17:25 > 0:17:28which we will be announcing very soon. He will be aware of the new
0:17:28 > 0:17:33futures network, which the Justice Secretary announced at the party
0:17:33 > 0:17:36conference, which will bring together employers and ex-offenders
0:17:36 > 0:17:41in order to help create appointment on release. The construction sector
0:17:41 > 0:17:49is a key sex and he will be hearing more from us in due course.2015
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Ministry of Justice study found that community orders have a
0:17:52 > 0:17:54substantially lower rate of reoffending and short prison
0:17:54 > 0:17:59sentences. What is the Minister doing to reverse the sharp fall in
0:17:59 > 0:18:07community sentences taking place under his government?We want to
0:18:07 > 0:18:13reduce reoffending. The presumption in this country is against present
0:18:13 > 0:18:19and it is up to the judiciary to sentence when they see fit. We want
0:18:19 > 0:18:22to make sure there are appropriate interventions in the community and
0:18:22 > 0:18:33after some they were looking at.The support strategy for the government
0:18:33 > 0:18:36provides support and information for those without legal representation
0:18:36 > 0:18:44for the courts.Senior judges are warning that there is a huge nerd
0:18:44 > 0:18:47and on judges, lawyers and litigants themselves. Will he commit to
0:18:47 > 0:18:54restoring legal aid to the family where this is serious, as Labour has
0:18:54 > 0:19:00promised to do.We have the review that I described what can I
0:19:00 > 0:19:05opportunity to point out that since 2015 we have invested £5 million
0:19:05 > 0:19:09into the litigants in person support strategy, size the source of
0:19:09 > 0:19:15practical support like online and practical support and also legal
0:19:15 > 0:19:23representation.Representing yourself in court has been a real
0:19:23 > 0:19:26issue for domestic violence victims, restoring legal aid is welcome but
0:19:26 > 0:19:31this would happen until January. The Justice Secretary of advertising for
0:19:31 > 0:19:35a second speech writer at a rate of £70,000 so as there is cash to
0:19:35 > 0:19:41spare, will he commit that a domestic violence victims seeking
0:19:41 > 0:19:44legal aid as of yesterday's announcement will be able to claim
0:19:44 > 0:19:50retrospectively under the new criteria?We will be laying the SI
0:19:50 > 0:19:55shortly. She welcomed it beneath the political point scoring and it will
0:19:55 > 0:19:58make it easier to apply for legal aid in those family cases where
0:19:58 > 0:20:03there has been a victim of domestic abuse but more broadly we have wider
0:20:03 > 0:20:09personal support units, trained volunteers, they give independent
0:20:09 > 0:20:11assistance to people facing proceedings in the family sphere and
0:20:11 > 0:20:20beyond. There are 20 centres in 16 cities and I hope she welcomes that.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23The prison service pay review body recommendations which I accepted in
0:20:23 > 0:20:30full were implemented in the October and November pay of offices. While
0:20:30 > 0:20:34it is too early to assess the effect of this particular award, I can
0:20:34 > 0:20:38report to the House that at the end of September this year, total prison
0:20:38 > 0:20:43officer numbers were up by more than 1200 full-time equivalent staff
0:20:43 > 0:20:48compared with the previous 12 month period.Given that the league rate
0:20:48 > 0:20:54amongst the prison officers in bands three to five are still running at
0:20:54 > 0:20:5710%, does the Minister not think that it is time to offer prison
0:20:57 > 0:21:03officers more than the 1.7% they have been offered in order to retain
0:21:03 > 0:21:10experienced prison staff and heave our prisons save?For those prisons
0:21:10 > 0:21:14mostly in London and the south-east of England which are experiencing
0:21:14 > 0:21:17particular challenging over recruitment and retention, we are
0:21:17 > 0:21:22offering additional support and resources. But I would have hoped
0:21:22 > 0:21:25the honourable lady would welcome the significant increase in prison
0:21:25 > 0:21:30officer numbers over the last year. The prison officer pay
0:21:30 > 0:21:35recommendations were implemented in full and prison officers received a
0:21:35 > 0:21:42pay increase that amount of two... A pay rise of 1.7% in terms of the
0:21:42 > 0:21:46total bill. That is more than was awarded to other public sector
0:21:46 > 0:21:50workers.What assessment has the Minister made in terms of the terms
0:21:50 > 0:21:54and conditions that prison officers worked under and their pay scales in
0:21:54 > 0:21:58relation to the morale that prison officers have now compared to five
0:21:58 > 0:22:06years ago?Prison officers certainly are working under very challenging
0:22:06 > 0:22:10conditions, not least because of the way in which organised crime is
0:22:10 > 0:22:18promoting traffic in psychoactive substances across prison walls but
0:22:18 > 0:22:21we believe not just the increase in numbers but the shift in forthcoming
0:22:21 > 0:22:25months to the new offender management model where each officer
0:22:25 > 0:22:29takes responsibility for about half a dozen named offenders will
0:22:29 > 0:22:36contribute to an increase in morale. One in four prisons have had a
0:22:36 > 0:22:39reduction in the number of prison officers over the last year,
0:22:39 > 0:22:43including in a court of prisons the government labels as being of
0:22:43 > 0:22:47concern so given the government's so-called recruitment drive, can the
0:22:47 > 0:22:52Secretary of State guarantee today that no prison apart from those
0:22:52 > 0:22:55planned for closure will have fewer staff at the end of this year than
0:22:55 > 0:23:02they did at the beginning of this year?As I said in response to the
0:23:02 > 0:23:06last question we are implementing the new offender management model
0:23:06 > 0:23:09throughout the system that will reduce the pressure on individual
0:23:09 > 0:23:16prison officers. Where a particular prison has difficulties that are
0:23:16 > 0:23:19greater than average in recruiting and retaining staff, then we will
0:23:19 > 0:23:25continue to put in extra resource and support to help them.Seven,
0:23:25 > 0:23:35please.I would like to group this with question number 14. There is
0:23:35 > 0:23:40strong evidence of physical ever day should and sport improving the
0:23:40 > 0:23:43well-being and motivation of those in custody and ex-offenders in the
0:23:43 > 0:23:48community. Both improve their prospects.Team sports promote the
0:23:48 > 0:23:54value of hard work, accountability and teamwork. Does the Minister
0:23:54 > 0:23:59agree these eyes that we the values that we should seek to instil in
0:23:59 > 0:24:02offenders and particularly our young offenders to cut the risk of
0:24:02 > 0:24:07reoffending and give them a better chance of life after release?I do
0:24:07 > 0:24:12and I would hope that every member of this House would agree with that.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17I have commissioned a professor at Royal Holloway to compile a report
0:24:17 > 0:24:25on the impact of tort for offenders in custody in the community so I can
0:24:25 > 0:24:27get a complete picture of positive benefits as I look forward to her
0:24:27 > 0:24:34report being published in the New Year.What is the purpose of prison,
0:24:34 > 0:24:42punishment of rehabilitation? The purpose of prisonis to play its
0:24:42 > 0:24:47part in reducing crime. That's the fundamental challenge that our
0:24:47 > 0:24:52department and the Home Office face. I believe that sports clubs in
0:24:52 > 0:25:03particular, like Felton young offenders Institute, has a low
0:25:03 > 0:25:07reoffending rate which compares favourably to the overall rate.I
0:25:07 > 0:25:11wonder whether the Minister would agree that arts and crafts can also
0:25:11 > 0:25:18play a part in rehabilitation of offenders, I am particularly
0:25:18 > 0:25:29thinking of Hull prison, where they staged a production of Jason during
0:25:29 > 0:25:34the City of Culture celebrations and I just want to say that it should be
0:25:34 > 0:25:40captain Hull to recognise what the prisoners have done.The point she
0:25:40 > 0:25:49has raisedis at best and gents gently related -- is tangentially
0:25:49 > 0:25:53related to the question, one might say in the same way that Hull is
0:25:53 > 0:26:01related to York but let's here the Minister and see if he is dextrous.
0:26:01 > 0:26:10I would agree that it isn't exclusively export that can make an
0:26:10 > 0:26:16impact. I visited cook and would and overwhelmed I was by the quality of
0:26:16 > 0:26:26the art work undertaken there.HMV Nottingham, prisoner rehabilitation
0:26:26 > 0:26:40continues to be a concern after five people died in a short period. --
0:26:40 > 0:26:48HMV Nottingham -- HMP.When will I receive my letter? The honourable
0:26:48 > 0:26:58gentleman should write to me that is not a young offenders Institute.In
0:26:58 > 0:27:01April, governors were given authority to devise the daily
0:27:01 > 0:27:07routine in prison, how they organise staff and the health service
0:27:07 > 0:27:12received by prisoners. In October, governors gain control of a family
0:27:12 > 0:27:23services Budget, and is next year and libraries Budget...Does my
0:27:23 > 0:27:31right honourable friend agree that governors know there prison is best
0:27:31 > 0:27:35in terms of the core regime, training our Best evolved into local
0:27:35 > 0:27:41hands from Government?I think it is important that ministers and
0:27:41 > 0:27:47officials in the prison service trust the professionalism of
0:27:47 > 0:27:52governors in charge of individual establishments. That is why as
0:27:52 > 0:27:57national contracts for particular services expire, for example on
0:27:57 > 0:28:01maintenance, repairs and food procurement, we will look for
0:28:01 > 0:28:08opportunities to default.One of his reformed prisons has been reported
0:28:08 > 0:28:14by the Chief Inspector of prisons, I quote from the Times, trailblazing
0:28:14 > 0:28:20but deteriorated over the last 12 months. Who is responsible, the
0:28:20 > 0:28:29governor, the head of the civil service, or the Lord Chancellor?
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Ultimately, I am responsible for the department. And for the services
0:28:32 > 0:28:39provided by the Department. As is the case with every inspection
0:28:39 > 0:28:44report, the prison service will be taking action to remedy the issues,
0:28:44 > 0:28:49problems pointed out by the Chief Inspector. Those have already
0:28:49 > 0:28:58included the installation they are of a new scanner to detect drugs.
0:28:58 > 0:29:08Number nine. Organised criminals smuggling drugs are a major threat
0:29:08 > 0:29:15to stability and safety of our prisons. We are taking decisive
0:29:15 > 0:29:18steps working with law enforcement agencies to identify individuals
0:29:18 > 0:29:24involved.What more can be done to harness the power of intelligence,
0:29:24 > 0:29:30to track drones not only to stop them coming into prisons, but find
0:29:30 > 0:29:38the criminals using them to disrupt our prison system.It is important
0:29:38 > 0:29:42to stop not just contraband coming into prisons but the organised crime
0:29:42 > 0:29:47networks behind it. The specialist staff in our regional and national
0:29:47 > 0:29:51intelligence teams are transforming how we work with the police. On
0:29:51 > 0:29:59drones in particular we have launched operation Trenton,
0:29:59 > 0:30:03intercepting drugs and tracking down criminals behind them. There have
0:30:03 > 0:30:12been 17 convictions relating to drug activity, perpetrators serving in
0:30:12 > 0:30:23prison.Illicit phones erode the barrier that prison walls used to
0:30:23 > 0:30:29place between prisoners and the committee. They can harass victims
0:30:29 > 0:30:33and assist in the trade of contraband. We are working with law
0:30:33 > 0:30:37enforcement to identify the network surprising -- providing loans and
0:30:37 > 0:30:45other items to prison. 323 items were recovered in an operation
0:30:45 > 0:30:53including mobile phones and a large quantity of drugs.Should we be
0:30:53 > 0:30:59constantly alert, does he agree, to technology that can disrupt the use
0:30:59 > 0:31:05of mobile phones in prisons and will be welcome the Private Members' Bill
0:31:05 > 0:31:10which received its second reading last week which will help block
0:31:10 > 0:31:18mobile phone signals around prisons from the Member for Lewes?
0:31:18 > 0:31:24Consequence of illicit items is violence and instability to resumes.
0:31:24 > 0:31:33The way to counter this threat, is through technology. The honourable
0:31:33 > 0:31:37member for Lewes' by the Member's Bill which the Government Acts will
0:31:37 > 0:31:40give us more power to switch off mobile phones in prison and you with
0:31:40 > 0:31:50the scourge that these present. -- deal with the scourge.In addition
0:31:50 > 0:31:55to strengthening the final time by posting prisoner of rumours --
0:31:55 > 0:32:02prison officer numbers we are launching operations with drug
0:32:02 > 0:32:10enforcement agencies to target phones that drive crime. Body worn
0:32:10 > 0:32:16cameras are borne by prison staff and are working to prosecute
0:32:16 > 0:32:17prisoners who assault officers.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25On a visit to Rochester prison I heard perceptions of prison officer
0:32:25 > 0:32:32safety were hurting recruitment. What is he doing to support the
0:32:32 > 0:32:38recruitment?We are meeting with considerable success in feeling the
0:32:38 > 0:32:432500 additional prison officer places that my predecessor the right
0:32:43 > 0:32:54honourable member for... Negotiated. We are also developing a graduate
0:32:54 > 0:32:59entry scheme for prison officers. And working with the Armed Forces so
0:32:59 > 0:33:02that the service leave scheme takes proper account of opportunities in
0:33:02 > 0:33:08the prison service.An important point has been made about the
0:33:08 > 0:33:13perception of safety can prevent recruitment and retention in the
0:33:13 > 0:33:17prison service. Can we have an update on the Government buys back
0:33:17 > 0:33:26workforce strategy for all Government sector staff. And
0:33:26 > 0:33:30committed a two involving all trades union stakeholders in the strategy?
0:33:30 > 0:33:39We are continuing to discuss in Government how we might look at
0:33:39 > 0:33:42changes, reforms to the way in which both prison and probation workforce
0:33:42 > 0:33:51are structured. Irrespective, we are proceeding with measures to give
0:33:51 > 0:33:56additional support to prison governors and officers by boosting
0:33:56 > 0:33:58regional management teams and trying to ensure that professional
0:33:58 > 0:34:04development is taken seriously at all ranks.The reality of life in
0:34:04 > 0:34:12our prisons is one of inexperienced prison officers dealing with more
0:34:12 > 0:34:16violence and dangerous situations on a daily basis which is a result of
0:34:16 > 0:34:20the cuts of 7000 prison officers which they have now slammed into
0:34:20 > 0:34:28reverse to recruit 2500 add announced. The prison officers
0:34:28 > 0:34:38visiting with the lobby, will he meet with them?The Prisons Minister
0:34:38 > 0:34:43and I meet with the representatives of the prisoners Association --
0:34:43 > 0:34:48Prison Officers Association. Wherever we visit prisons, we talk
0:34:48 > 0:34:53to staff and listen to their concerns. As well as recruiting
0:34:53 > 0:34:56additional officers as promised we need to ensure that anybody who
0:34:56 > 0:35:01attacked a prison officer where there is good evidence available is
0:35:01 > 0:35:04properly prosecuted. That is what ought to happen and I hope that the
0:35:04 > 0:35:18police and CPS work with us.We are investing over £1 billion between
0:35:18 > 0:35:232016 and 2020 to support local areas developing multi-agency approaches
0:35:23 > 0:35:26to female offenders and developing a strategy for female offenders to
0:35:26 > 0:35:28improve outcomes for women in the community and custody.
0:35:34 > 0:35:42There is a fantastic job in my constituency helping women
0:35:42 > 0:35:48offenders. What are key and the Government doing to help women
0:35:48 > 0:35:56across the country prepared to make a fresh start up on leaving prison?
0:35:56 > 0:36:06I look forward to visit southern Park, which has a good record with
0:36:06 > 0:36:11national and local employers, this is the type of relationship we want
0:36:11 > 0:36:15to develop and spread throughout the country because we know if people
0:36:15 > 0:36:21have a job on leaving prison they are less likely to reoffend.It is
0:36:21 > 0:36:28ten years since the Corston report. Can the Secretary of State and the
0:36:28 > 0:36:38Minister update us on what they are doing to meet the 43
0:36:38 > 0:36:43recommendations?The report was the first document I read when I was
0:36:43 > 0:36:48made minister in July 2016, it is a good document. Since then, I have
0:36:48 > 0:36:54worked tirelessly along with officials to develop a strategy
0:36:54 > 0:36:58which goes some way to meet the challenges set by the Baroness. I
0:36:58 > 0:37:03met with the funding group to discuss our proposals we are going
0:37:03 > 0:37:09to bring forward.Given female offenders are more likely than male
0:37:09 > 0:37:12offenders to have care and responsibilities for children, what
0:37:12 > 0:37:17role does the Minister Stein prison governor should place on retaining
0:37:17 > 0:37:23and strengthening family ties?In my travels around the country, every
0:37:23 > 0:37:29governor I have met of a women's prison as and knows the importance
0:37:29 > 0:37:33of maintaining good links with family, going back to the strategy
0:37:33 > 0:37:39we have got this in our minds when it comes to developing a future
0:37:39 > 0:37:41infrastructure where we hold women as close as possible to their
0:37:41 > 0:37:47families if they have to be locked up.What action is the Government
0:37:47 > 0:37:51taking to reduce the incidence of breach and recall leading to an
0:37:51 > 0:37:57increase in the women's prison population?We are aware of the
0:37:57 > 0:38:01challenges around recall and some of this is to do with women go out into
0:38:01 > 0:38:04the community and go to the same situation they found themselves in
0:38:04 > 0:38:09before going to prison. It is something being considered in depth
0:38:09 > 0:38:15was that our approach to it will be part of our strategy.The Minister
0:38:15 > 0:38:20will no a disproportionate number of women are sentenced to short
0:38:20 > 0:38:24sentences. He probably shares the view from his previous statement
0:38:24 > 0:38:28that these are not effective in breaking the cycle of reoffending.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32With the Government think seriously about adopting the Scottish system
0:38:32 > 0:38:36whereby short sentences have to be actively justified by the Court
0:38:36 > 0:38:43before they are passed?We already do have a presumption against
0:38:43 > 0:38:48custody in our system in England. I do acknowledge that Scotland is
0:38:48 > 0:38:54embarking upon an exciting path with regard to how it manages its women's
0:38:54 > 0:38:59offenders which is why I am going there on Thursday. -- women
0:38:59 > 0:39:07offenders.Giving half the prisoners are there for a few weeks, could
0:39:07 > 0:39:12there be less victims of crime if we invested in women's centres rather
0:39:12 > 0:39:18than sending nonviolent women into prisons?What is striking when you
0:39:18 > 0:39:22go to prison and meet prisoners is quite a lot of them happen victims
0:39:22 > 0:39:31themselves. The strategy will try to do with that by the way in which we
0:39:31 > 0:39:39handle and manage women when they have committed offences.Looking at
0:39:39 > 0:39:43ways to make inquest more sensitive to the needs of bereaved families.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46The Lord Chancellor will update the guidance on exceptional case funding
0:39:46 > 0:39:50by the end of the year and this is part of the wider...
0:39:53 > 0:39:58I raise the case of the Shoreham Airshow crash with the Prime
0:39:58 > 0:40:02Minister were the legal aid agency has refused exceptional case funding
0:40:02 > 0:40:06to the families of the victims. Can it be right that the families of the
0:40:06 > 0:40:15victims of the largest civilian loss of life since 7-7 as it was at the
0:40:15 > 0:40:24time... Not least when there is a wider public interest with over 2
0:40:24 > 0:40:31million people who attends civilian air next year?My deepest sympathies
0:40:31 > 0:40:37go to the victims of the Shoreham Airshow disaster. He knows I cannot
0:40:37 > 0:40:39comment on individual decisions but I can say we have protected early
0:40:39 > 0:40:46legal advice within the scope of legal aid. There is an opportunity
0:40:46 > 0:40:52to look at this more broadly as part of the review. It was granted in
0:40:52 > 0:40:58over half of cases where inquest applications were made last year.
0:41:01 > 0:41:08We are clear that restraint should only be used where absolutely
0:41:08 > 0:41:11necessary and where no other form of intervention is possible or
0:41:11 > 0:41:18appropriate. The number of incidents where restraint was used reduced 11%
0:41:18 > 0:41:19from March 20 15th of March 20 16.
0:41:23 > 0:41:30In September I asked why the Ministry of Justice's approved
0:41:30 > 0:41:33methods of restraining children can actually chilled children or the
0:41:33 > 0:41:38then disabled. I have since received a letter from the undersecretary
0:41:38 > 0:41:45stating that limited circumstances pain in choosing techniques may be
0:41:45 > 0:41:54necessary. Regarding children and this care of the state, pain should
0:41:54 > 0:42:02not be used, so what is that the is the government's position on this?
0:42:02 > 0:42:06The restraint techniques that are used were developed in consultation
0:42:06 > 0:42:12with a medical panel and adviser. I must emphasise that we are dealing
0:42:12 > 0:42:18with quite violent individuals sometimes, the violence levels are
0:42:18 > 0:42:24ten times that in the adult state and there are decisions sometimes
0:42:24 > 0:42:31made, however difficult, to protect the individual concerned, other
0:42:31 > 0:42:37children in the unit and staff.Is she continues to chunter at evident
0:42:37 > 0:42:44disapproval but she can apply and dilate on these matters that rate at
0:42:44 > 0:42:54length and will be a satisfaction to her and possibly the others.With
0:42:54 > 0:42:57the mission I should like to answer this question together with westerns
0:42:57 > 0:43:0420 and 24. We are investing £1 billion in the modernisation of our
0:43:04 > 0:43:08courts and tribunal service. This summer we launched the first pilot
0:43:08 > 0:43:12of the online court covering divorce, Social Security and civil
0:43:12 > 0:43:17money claims. I visited the Manchester civil justice centre and
0:43:17 > 0:43:24saw some of this work first hand.He hadn't asked my agreement but I am
0:43:24 > 0:43:28happy to provide it. Presumably the request was made to my office on
0:43:28 > 0:43:31account of the expectation we would not get this far but ministers ought
0:43:31 > 0:43:36to know better by now, we tend to make quite quick progress. We will
0:43:36 > 0:43:43take those who are here and at least one is not. Mr Davis Morris.Part of
0:43:43 > 0:43:47the problem of the court system to the layperson is they do not
0:43:47 > 0:43:51understand the court jargon. Would he look deeply into how we can
0:43:51 > 0:43:57improve the communications so that the ordinary man on the street can
0:43:57 > 0:44:02understand proceedings.I apologise if there was a mess up implications
0:44:02 > 0:44:08to your office. In response to my honourable friend, one of the things
0:44:08 > 0:44:14that is really important as we test and pilot these online court
0:44:14 > 0:44:21proposals is that we ensure that they, the process, is stripped of
0:44:21 > 0:44:27legal jargon so that our constituents, men and women who have
0:44:27 > 0:44:30no particular knowledge or experience of the technicalities of
0:44:30 > 0:44:36law, are able easily to understand, follow and ease the process.As
0:44:36 > 0:44:41co-chair of your all-party Parliamentary group on legal
0:44:41 > 0:44:45education I was wondering if he has made any assessment on how the
0:44:45 > 0:44:50online process will save many people going to Small Claims Court the
0:44:50 > 0:44:53stress and hassle that they don't need when all they are trying to do
0:44:53 > 0:45:00is solve a simple money claims. Certainly my own view having tried
0:45:00 > 0:45:04out the small money claims process is that it provides a very
0:45:04 > 0:45:10user-friendly way of a consumer seeking redress from somebody
0:45:10 > 0:45:13against whom they have a claim. So far more than three thousand people
0:45:13 > 0:45:18have used the pilots I have described and they have got
0:45:18 > 0:45:22straightforward digital access to our courts.I would call Mr courts
0:45:22 > 0:45:25to ask about courts if he was here and given the likely affinity he
0:45:25 > 0:45:32would feel to the subject but he is not and therefore I cannot. Mr
0:45:32 > 0:45:40McMahon.I wrote to the government in October asking for the impact of
0:45:40 > 0:45:42the closure of the older Magistrates' Court and County Court
0:45:42 > 0:45:47but they say they don't collect the data nonattendance. How on earth can
0:45:47 > 0:45:52the government know about the impact of closures if it doesn't collect
0:45:52 > 0:45:57that data -- the closure of the Oldham magistrate and County Court.
0:45:57 > 0:46:03When a proposal is made to close any court there is a public consultation
0:46:03 > 0:46:08that enables representations to be made and evidence to be looked at
0:46:08 > 0:46:12seriously and such a consultation is always accompanied by an analysis of
0:46:12 > 0:46:18travel times both by car and by public transport for people who use
0:46:18 > 0:46:25the Court centre scheduled for closure to attend the proposed
0:46:25 > 0:46:31alternative so these things are considered in detail.In the context
0:46:31 > 0:46:34of court modernisation can I ask the Secretary of State to look at making
0:46:34 > 0:46:39the courts more transparent, particularly allowing defendants and
0:46:39 > 0:46:45those who have been sentenced to get transcripts and copies of the
0:46:45 > 0:46:49Judge's direction to the jury because in cases of potential
0:46:49 > 0:46:53miscarriages of justice this can be difficult information to get.I
0:46:53 > 0:46:58would like to reflect on the serious points that the honourable lady has
0:46:58 > 0:47:05made. Of course the conduct of a trial in the court is a matter for
0:47:05 > 0:47:10the trial judge but I will look seriously and write to her when I
0:47:10 > 0:47:15have had a chance to take advice on the matter.Topical questions. Mike
0:47:15 > 0:47:30Amesbury.Number one.Since the last justice questions I have introduced
0:47:30 > 0:47:34a new version notification process which allows the Chief Inspector of
0:47:34 > 0:47:38prisons to publicly and formally notify me as secretary of the where
0:47:38 > 0:47:43he judges that urgent action is required. This new procedure will
0:47:43 > 0:47:49require a joint response from the prison and probation service and my
0:47:49 > 0:47:54department to ensure that decisive action is taken to address immediate
0:47:54 > 0:47:58concerns and we will demonstrate our commitment to transparency by
0:47:58 > 0:48:00publishing both the Chief Inspector's notification letter and
0:48:00 > 0:48:10my response within 28 days.I'm sure the secretary of will join me in
0:48:10 > 0:48:19condemning the shocking attack on a PC cell in my constituency, who was
0:48:19 > 0:48:34reportedly deliberately lurid -- attacked with a knife. What can we
0:48:34 > 0:48:41do to make sure our justice system reflects the gravity of such crimes?
0:48:41 > 0:48:45I'm sure he would appreciate for me to comment on individual case would
0:48:45 > 0:48:49be wrong when it is a matter of investigation and trial. But in
0:48:49 > 0:48:56general terms the government is committed to ensuring that the law
0:48:56 > 0:49:01protects those dedicated professional public servants,
0:49:01 > 0:49:05including PCS owes, who do their utmost to keep us safe. That is why
0:49:05 > 0:49:09the government is supporting the ill brought forward by his honourable
0:49:09 > 0:49:16friend in order to give such protection.Could he tell me what he
0:49:16 > 0:49:21thinks can be done to make sure that community sentences are not just
0:49:21 > 0:49:28robust and effective but are seen as such.P is absolutely right, we have
0:49:28 > 0:49:31a range of community sentence options. They are a bust, they can
0:49:31 > 0:49:35include the whole range from underpaid work and her views to
0:49:35 > 0:49:39rehab programmes, mental health treatments, substance misuse
0:49:39 > 0:49:42problems. We are working with judges, magistrates and privation
0:49:42 > 0:49:46services to make sure they are operationally as strong as they can
0:49:46 > 0:49:50be and command public confidence.I have repeatedly asked the Secretary
0:49:50 > 0:49:55of State how many staff have been axed the inspiration was privatised
0:49:55 > 0:49:58and I have been repeatedly refused an answer but there is now being
0:49:58 > 0:50:03reported in the press that there is a 20% cut in the number of
0:50:03 > 0:50:06operations staff in the privatised community rehabilitation companies
0:50:06 > 0:50:14between 2015 and 2016. Can the Secretary of State confirm that the
0:50:14 > 0:50:21RC 's our staff have been cut by one fifth?It is for individual
0:50:21 > 0:50:24committee revalidation companies to take decisions about the staff that
0:50:24 > 0:50:30they need and what kind of staff they need to deliver on their
0:50:30 > 0:50:35contractual obligations to the government. The government's
0:50:35 > 0:50:36responsibility is. International privation service and we are
0:50:36 > 0:50:44recruiting additional staff.Given that a rise in fraudulent claims can
0:50:44 > 0:50:47push up the cost of insurance for all, what assessment has the
0:50:47 > 0:50:50Minister made of the level of holiday sickness insurance claims
0:50:50 > 0:50:58and the impact of false claims on the cost for honest holiday-makers.
0:50:58 > 0:51:01She raises a good point. The Association of British travel agents
0:51:01 > 0:51:05reported a sixfold increase in gastric illness claims against tour
0:51:05 > 0:51:10operators between 2013 and 2016 but reports in the resorts were
0:51:10 > 0:51:16declining. Operators paid out hundreds of millions and that
0:51:16 > 0:51:21heights the cost for holiday-makers. We are calling for evidence to fit
0:51:21 > 0:51:31the costs to help hard earned holiday-makers.The present system
0:51:31 > 0:51:36is failing women and young people. It needs a different approach based
0:51:36 > 0:51:38on the community and amenity services rather than simply
0:51:38 > 0:51:43imprisonment. What will the secretary of the deed to help ensure
0:51:43 > 0:51:53education and rehabilitation and not punishment and not prisons?I was in
0:51:53 > 0:51:56Cardiff last Thursday and I met with the Pathfinder team who work with
0:51:56 > 0:51:59women offenders in the community and in custody and I was impressed with
0:51:59 > 0:52:04the work they do and I went onto the youth offending establishment and
0:52:04 > 0:52:12was impressed by that visit. Both approaches in terms of use and
0:52:12 > 0:52:15women, we think if we can keep people out of custody we will but if
0:52:15 > 0:52:21they need to be in custody we will make that decision.Can he advise me
0:52:21 > 0:52:25what steps are being taken to reduce reoffending levels for young people
0:52:25 > 0:52:33in the West Midlands including my constituency?The current rate of
0:52:33 > 0:52:38reoffending in the youth population is way too high. I have taken
0:52:38 > 0:52:41measures to address this. Part of that has been investing £64 million
0:52:41 > 0:52:45in the youth custody reform programme, which includes special
0:52:45 > 0:52:52training for staff.Does the Justice Secretary not share my concern that
0:52:52 > 0:52:58handing over power is on court fine collection to private bailiffs will
0:52:58 > 0:53:01place the safety and finances of vulnerable people at risk from rogue
0:53:01 > 0:53:06operators?No, we are making sure we have a robust and rigorous
0:53:06 > 0:53:08regulation in place but the most important thing is to make sure
0:53:08 > 0:53:18pressures taxpayer's money is put to best use and debts are recovered.Is
0:53:18 > 0:53:21the Secretary of State aware that there is still a very serious
0:53:21 > 0:53:26illegal drugs problem in Norwich prison? Many ministers talk about
0:53:26 > 0:53:29creating a drugs free prison. When all this become a reality in
0:53:29 > 0:53:33Norfolk? I would like the secretary of the two answer, by the way,
0:53:33 > 0:53:42please.Norwich, like all prisons in the system, is being challenged by
0:53:42 > 0:53:51new psychoactive substances, which are causing real behavioural
0:53:51 > 0:53:54problems and add to potential progression on the part of prisoners
0:53:54 > 0:54:00and are being actively promoted by organised crime was we are
0:54:00 > 0:54:04addressing this by the provision of improved health and detoxification
0:54:04 > 0:54:10methods within prisons but also by active intelligence work to disrupt
0:54:10 > 0:54:15the supply of drugs into prisons because it's rolling up those supply
0:54:15 > 0:54:22chains which gives us a real opportunity to crackdown on drugs.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25The on-board gentlemen, I say this for the benefit of new members, is
0:54:25 > 0:54:33an old hand and a wily fellow and he knows how to get what he wants. One
0:54:33 > 0:54:38of his ancestors might have bumped off a Prime Minister but the
0:54:38 > 0:54:41honourable gentleman cannot be held responsible for the behaviour of his
0:54:41 > 0:54:49distant ancestor.We all know too many women are being given short
0:54:49 > 0:54:57custodial sentences for minor crimes when in reality we -- rehabilitation
0:54:57 > 0:55:01through women's centres would be more productive. Are there plans for
0:55:01 > 0:55:06a women's prison in Wales or even worse, a female offender unit as an
0:55:06 > 0:55:10annex to the male prison? But there should be plans for women's centres
0:55:10 > 0:55:16in Wales.I can confirm that no decision has been made to beat a
0:55:16 > 0:55:21female prison in Wales. -- no decision has been made to build a
0:55:21 > 0:55:26female prison in Wales. We are focused on what we can do in the
0:55:26 > 0:55:28community to help women because I understand and recognise that sure
0:55:28 > 0:55:32that thing is not delivering the goods and I also reckon nice that a
0:55:32 > 0:55:36number of women are victims themselves. Ultimately the women's
0:55:36 > 0:55:39justice date is about security for the wider public to keep people who
0:55:39 > 0:55:42have done things wrong away from them that all the about reducing
0:55:42 > 0:55:48crime long-term by working with the women concerned.Time at last to the
0:55:48 > 0:55:56here the voice of Clacton.Does the Minister agree it is in the interest
0:55:56 > 0:56:00of the European 27 nations as it is to my constituents in Clacton and
0:56:00 > 0:56:06the whole of the UK for a seamless continuation of civil corporation
0:56:06 > 0:56:10between us to provide companies, individuals and families with
0:56:10 > 0:56:13confidence that judgment scanned and will be enforced across borders and
0:56:13 > 0:56:24can he update me on what is being done to secure that Corporation.
0:56:24 > 0:56:29The sleek and German debate until I realised he had just conducted it.
0:56:29 > 0:56:36-- he had sought an adjournment debate with families and tens of
0:56:36 > 0:56:47thousands of ...Ecole brands of and ambitious civil Justice cooperation
0:56:47 > 0:56:49agreement with the bank
0:56:54 > 0:57:09last week, I visited Medway STC which was subject to a panorama
0:57:09 > 0:57:20report.The centre is improving under new ownership. Many STCs and
0:57:20 > 0:57:26children's secure homes remain in private hands. Will the Government
0:57:26 > 0:57:31committed to reversing the privatisation system?This
0:57:31 > 0:57:38adjournment debate fetish is catching, I think.If one looks back
0:57:38 > 0:57:42at inspection reports over the years, one can see examples of both
0:57:42 > 0:57:51good practice and poor practice at both state run and privately
0:57:51 > 0:57:57operated prisons and secure training centres. There are good reports for
0:57:57 > 0:58:03example on how GeForce S has operated HMP Park both for young and
0:58:03 > 0:58:14adult offenders. I urge my honourable friend to take this up
0:58:14 > 0:58:22firmly with the companies concerned. How can the Minister ensure this
0:58:22 > 0:58:27policy will be promoted across the board to make sure reoffending is
0:58:27 > 0:58:35reduced? I would be happy for the Prisons Minister to answer.The
0:58:35 > 0:58:40review is important in highlighting the importance of family connections
0:58:40 > 0:58:44in preventing self harm in prisons but turning around lives also. We
0:58:44 > 0:58:47have accepted all the recommendations are implementing
0:58:47 > 0:58:51them and I will update the honourable member personally.You
0:58:51 > 0:58:56will know that goes and vulnerable women were subject to horrendous
0:58:56 > 0:59:03abuse and rape by a sexual expectation gang in Newcastle. Some
0:59:03 > 0:59:06of the perpetrators were recently convicted as part of operation
0:59:06 > 0:59:16Sanctuary. Victims, some, feel they have not just is. At least one has
0:59:16 > 0:59:20been denied compensation for horrific abuse because of time spent
0:59:20 > 0:59:24in juvenile detention. As a consequence of that abuse. Does the
0:59:24 > 0:59:29Minister think that is just and if not we'll keep amend the criminal
0:59:29 > 0:59:34injuries compensation scheme to ensure justice?I recently met with
0:59:34 > 0:59:41the chief Executive and was convinced they have systems in place
0:59:41 > 0:59:46to deal appropriately with all cases. If there is a particular case
0:59:46 > 0:59:53of concern to the honourable lady, write to me and I will respond.
0:59:53 > 0:59:56Repeated failures in facilities management contracts have discovered
0:59:56 > 1:00:07every time the Minister visits prison, un-repaired showers is the
1:00:07 > 1:00:11latest example. Will there be an urgent review of the restoration of
1:00:11 > 1:00:14these contracts, appropriate penalties and speeding up the
1:00:14 > 1:00:23required work?It is a good point. When an inspector or his committee
1:00:23 > 1:00:27for that matter draws attention to problems of this kind is, we
1:00:27 > 1:00:31certainly take that up very firmly with the contract are concerned. I
1:00:31 > 1:00:37am keen that we learn and apply lessons about how previous contracts
1:00:37 > 1:00:42were negotiated to ensure we get better performance in the future.It
1:00:42 > 1:00:49was confirmed in the Budget that there would be 40% cuts, more than
1:00:49 > 1:01:07any department. We have seen reduction in judges and others.Mr
1:01:07 > 1:01:09Speaker, the figures that were issued at the same time as the
1:01:09 > 1:01:15Budget simply repeated those that featured in the current public
1:01:15 > 1:01:21expenditure, so no change there. Within our Budget, we are investing
1:01:21 > 1:01:26£1 billion in modernisation of the courts and recruiting 2500
1:01:26 > 1:01:30additional prison officers.I thought we had signed up to the all
1:01:30 > 1:01:35singing, all dancing EU prisoner transfer director. Why do we still
1:01:35 > 1:01:39have 42% of the 10,000 foreign nationals in our prisons from EU
1:01:39 > 1:01:47countries? Why don't we send them back from where they came?Again, I
1:01:47 > 1:01:54think he asked the same question as the last justice... Even with
1:01:54 > 1:02:00prisoner transfer agreement it is down to the receiving country to
1:02:00 > 1:02:10receive the prisoners, we cannot have -- we cannot force them. 40,000
1:02:10 > 1:02:13prisoners have been sent back home since 2010 under the early removal
1:02:13 > 1:02:22scheme.Repetition is not a novel phenomenon in the House of Commons.
1:02:22 > 1:02:24I have been approached by a constituent who is vulnerable
1:02:24 > 1:02:32daughter who was raped -- whose vulnerable daughter was raped by a
1:02:32 > 1:02:38male under the age of 18. The sentence does not give regard to the
1:02:38 > 1:02:49suffering of the victim, so will he visits with me to the victim?The
1:02:49 > 1:02:53anguish of the family in these types of cases and the victim, the
1:02:53 > 1:03:03sentences are set by the sentencing council and not the MoJ. He might
1:03:03 > 1:03:14wish to take a look at the new developments from June.In my
1:03:14 > 1:03:21constituency we have a high level of road traffic incidences. I have
1:03:21 > 1:03:27campaigned for increased sentences for dangerous driving.
1:03:32 > 1:03:36We considered extensively on this and bearing in mind the seriousness
1:03:36 > 1:03:39of the worst offences and the anguish of the families we set out
1:03:39 > 1:03:43proposals to increase the maximum sentence for dangerous driving to
1:03:43 > 1:03:51life imprisonment and that is the reality for those engaging.My
1:03:51 > 1:03:56constituents Mr and Mrs fleeting last brave son Robert in a
1:03:56 > 1:04:00non-combat death when he was serving our forces in an English -based.
1:04:00 > 1:04:05There could not be closure because there was no inquest. After a
1:04:05 > 1:04:08positive initial meeting with the Minister, there has been no follow
1:04:08 > 1:04:20up and this is compounding Mr and Mrs Fleeting person aggrieved. --
1:04:20 > 1:04:28the grief is compounded.We would need to understand all the detail
1:04:28 > 1:04:30before making a public comment.
1:04:34 > 1:04:39Order. It flows directly from questions, I believe. If it is dealt
1:04:39 > 1:04:47with very briefly.You will be aware of my campaign to introduce Helen
1:04:47 > 1:04:51pot law. On the 14th of September I wrote to the Justice Secretary
1:04:51 > 1:04:59asking to meet with Helen passed my mother and the victim's family.
1:04:59 > 1:05:03Having not received a reply I took him to parliamentary questions to
1:05:03 > 1:05:09ask when it was likely to come. The correspondence was said to have been
1:05:09 > 1:05:16sent to my office but I have found Nonesuch had been received and
1:05:16 > 1:05:19having contacted the MoJ it transpired none had been sent
1:05:19 > 1:05:25because we were still waiting... What does it say about the
1:05:25 > 1:05:30Government buys like attitudes to boards -- the Government's attitude
1:05:30 > 1:05:37towards victims' families.It is a very important matter but it does
1:05:37 > 1:05:38not flow