Oral Answers to Questions

Barry Sheerman Excerpts

Tuesday 5th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Grant]

There is a framework, and we are looking at capacity and quality. I am happy to write to the hon. Gentleman with full details.

[Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op)]

Does the Minister agree, though, that we have far too many people in prison and that when they get to prison not enough is done to turn them into good citizens? Is there not plenty of evidence that effective treatment outside prison, in the community, works? Can we not improve those alternatives, because the probation service is crucial in helping to make them effective?

[Mrs Grant]

The hon. Gentleman makes a good and interesting point. Obviously, who goes to prison is a matter for the independent judiciary. Prison is absolutely the right place for some offenders, but I agree that for other offenders credible punitive community sentences can be a more appropriate disposal.