Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Brian Leishman Excerpts
Tuesday 11th March 2025

(1 day, 15 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alex Davies-Jones Portrait Alex Davies-Jones
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The hon. and learned Gentleman is right to confirm that an inquest should be an inquisitorial process. It should not be adversarial either. I will raise the issue that he has mentioned with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, but what is deemed to be in scope of legislation is a matter for the House authorities and the Leader of the House.

Brian Leishman Portrait Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth) (Lab)
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Prison maintenance privatisation has been a complete and utter disaster. When will it be taken back in-house?

Nicholas Dakin Portrait Sir Nicholas Dakin
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We are investing approximately £500 million over two years in prison and probation service maintenance to improve conditions across our estate, but it is fair to say we have inherited a system in serious need of repair. The estimated cost of bringing the prison estate to a fair condition and maintaining it till the end of the decade is £2.8 billion. The programme is now under way, and we hope that we will make as much progress as possible.