HMP Birmingham

Debate between Andrew Murrison and Elizabeth Truss

Monday 19th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

We read the reports of the independent monitoring board and take action. We read that report. The prisons Minister and I are in constant touch with governors on these specific issues.

[Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con)]

Some reports suggest that up to 75% of the inmate population have one or more mental health problem. Does the Secretary of State agree that we are unlikely to be able to reform our prisons fundamentally until we get to grips with mental health in the criminal justice system?

[Elizabeth Truss]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I have been discussing with the Health Secretary how we can improve mental health provision in prisons and in the criminal justice system overall. We are giving governors power over mental health commissioning jointly with the NHS to make sure that we have the right services in our prisons.