Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Alan Mak Excerpts
Tuesday 5th February 2019

(5 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Rory Stewart Portrait Rory Stewart
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Absolutely. It totally transforms a prisoner’s life to have a job, and it leads them to be less likely to reoffend, therefore protecting the public. I pay tribute particularly to the work of Tempus Novo in Leeds, which brings businesses into prison, with two experienced ex-prison officers, and helps companies to become comfortable with employing ex-offenders, thus ultimately changing lives and protecting the public.

Alan Mak Portrait Alan Mak (Havant) (Con)
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T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

David Gauke Portrait The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr David Gauke)
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Yesterday, I published my review of the Parole Board rules and the Government’s response to the public consultation about creating a new reconsideration mechanism for Parole Board decisions. I have decided to proceed with changes to the Parole Board rules that will introduce such a mechanism later this year. Our report also sets out additional reforms that will bring greater transparency and improvements for victims. I announced the launch of a tailored review of the Parole Board that will consider whether more fundamental reforms are necessary in the longer term, including those that may require primary legislation.

Alan Mak Portrait Alan Mak
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New technology can play a key role in reducing the flow of contraband into our prisons. Will my right hon. Friend outline what support and financial investment his Department is providing in that area?