Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering Excerpts
Tuesday 9th September 2014

(10 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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I am afraid I have to correct the hon. Lady. At the moment our prison system is at its least overcrowded for 10 years, and the number of prisoners going through education is set to increase significantly this year.

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering Portrait Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)
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Will the Secretary of State say what action his Department is taking to reduce the trend in shop theft, particularly where that might fuel a drug or substance habit?

Lord Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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That is one reason why I think it is important that we address the caution system, because it has been possible for somebody who commits an act such as shop theft simply to receive a caution again and again. Those people must come to court to be dealt with properly by our magistrates, and that is why the measures in the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill are so important.