Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard and Phillip Lee

Tuesday 6th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Dr Lee]

I thank my right hon. Friend for his question which, as ever, is a wise one. Yes, continuity of care before, during and after prison is key, not just for the mental health of prisoners, but for their physical health too. We have ongoing discussions with the Department of Health on the matter, and my intention is to make the continuity of records and the continuity of care as a consequence much better in the future.

[Tom Elliott (Fermanagh and South Tyrone) (UUP)]

Does the Minister accept that many prisoners with mental health issues would be better served and facilitated outside the prison regime? If so, what alternatives are being looked at?

[Dr Lee]

Of course, the hon. Gentleman is right. However, prison can be an opportunity to address mental health problems that have not previously been diagnosed and properly treated, so being in prison may be an opportunity for someone to receive proper care, which is ultimately what I am about.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard and Phillip Lee

Tuesday 1st November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Dr Lee]

The Crown Prosecution Service can and will charge a person with manslaughter where the evidence supports that charge, it is in the public interest to do so and there is a reasonable prospect of a conviction. In many driving cases, however, the offending behaviour, which may be highly irresponsible, does not suggest that the vehicle was intentionally used as a weapon to kill or commit grievous bodily harm or that the standard of driving was grossly negligent.

[Tom Elliott (Fermanagh and South Tyrone) (UUP)]

13. What discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on pardons for gay and bisexual men convicted of offences which have subsequently been abolished.