Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

David Lidington Excerpts
Tuesday 8th October 2019

(4 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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A Buckinghamshire knight—Sir David Lidington.

David Lidington Portrait Sir David Lidington (Aylesbury) (Con)
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I welcome what my hon. and learned Friend has said about the pilot projects now under way and wish them success. Since up to 30%, by some estimates, of people sleeping rough on the streets have a prison record, does she agree that one of the best ways to secure a reduction in reoffending is to step up these schemes and ensure that when someone has served their time, they have a roof over their heads on release?

Lucy Frazer Portrait Lucy Frazer
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I agree very much with my experienced right hon. Friend, from whom I learned so much as his Parliamentary Private Secretary. He is absolutely right about accommodation. We are looking at the pilots. We are also trying to expand the approved premises estate by an extra 200 beds. Accommodation is a critical matter, and we are looking hard into it.