Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Wendy Morton and Phillip Lee

Tuesday 6th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills) (Con)]

T6. I want to ask the new Secretary of State about the treatment of women giving birth in prisons and those with young children, and whether she will do more to ensure children have access to their mothers and, where appropriate, their fathers, and can be as near to them as possible.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Dr Phillip Lee)]

One hundred babies resided in mother and baby units in English prisons in 2015. Prisons do an excellent job in making these environments as pleasant as possible and babies are able to spend time away from the prison with nominated carers. However, knowing the importance of the early years for child development, it is essential that we consider alternative ways of dealing with female offenders, including those with young children and babies and other caring responsibilities.