Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Selous and Charlotte Leslie

Tuesday 16th December 2014 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Selous]

I have a very good relationship with the chief inspector, whom I meet regularly.

Let me tell the right hon. Gentleman what a real prison crisis looks like. A real prison crisis happens when 80,000 prisoners are let out early—many of whom, including terrorists, go on to commit further offences—and when it is necessary to spend £75 million on locking up prisoners in police cells.

[Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con)]

5. What progress he has made on expanding the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to include private companies providing public services.

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[Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con)]

T2. We know that sport has a vital role in rehabilitating prisoners, and evidence is mounting that limiting the sporting activities to which violent offenders have access can severely limit their rehabilitation possibilities. Will the Minister meet me to discuss this matter, and will he assure me that we will put practical reality over prejudice in getting outcomes?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Andrew Selous)]

I fully appreciate the positive impact that being a member of a sports club can have on release. The National Offender Management Service is keen to discuss options for how it can improve links between England Boxing, in which I know my hon. Friend has a particular interest, so that offenders can benefit once they have left custody. If she has new ideas to share on this matter, I will of course be delighted to meet her.