Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alistair Carmichael and Phillip Lee

Tuesday 7th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD)]

6. What steps she is taking to ensure that prisoners receive appropriate treatment for mental health problems.

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

Prisoners are far more likely to suffer from mental health issues than the general population. From April, we will introduce a co-commissioning approach into prisons in England, with governors making decisions about prison healthcare alongside local NHS commissioners. As I am sure the right hon. Gentleman knows, these matters are devolved in Scotland.

[Mr Carmichael]

Indeed, although the Howard League tells us that 2016 was the worst year ever recorded for suicides in prison, with one prisoner every three days across the UK taking his or her life. Does the Minister accept that the earliest diagnosis— and the best diagnosis—will not make much difference if we continue to house prisoners in overcrowded prisons, with the most vulnerable being locked up 23 hours a day?

[Dr Lee]

Each of those cases is a tragedy and my condolences go to the family concerned. The right hon. Gentleman is right that it is important to hold prisoners in appropriate circumstances. We are working hard to improve the mental health training of staff, and we are in lengthy discussions with the Department of Health about the broader provision of mental health care.