Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Excerpts
Tuesday 8th March 2016

(8 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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My hon. Friend makes a characteristically acute point. According to academic research, up to 70% of prisoners are likely to have had a mental health problem, often related to drink or drug abuse. It is therefore in all our interests that we do everything possible to ensure that appropriate therapy and rehabilitative activity are available to those prisoners.

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Portrait Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP)
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What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that young people in custody are given adequate safe time outside to protect and safeguard their mental health and wellbeing?

Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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The hon. Lady makes a very good point. As part of the youth justice review, I have tasked Charlie Taylor with making sure that purposeful activity—education, sporting activity and time outside—is part of the regime that all young offenders in custody can enjoy.