Oral Answers to Questions

James Clappison Excerpts

Tuesday 8th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Blunt]

The hon. Gentleman needs to understand that we are piloting payment by results in six ways in 20 different pilots to see what is the most effective way of delivering it. It might be by putting the responsibility on probation trusts, prisons, local authorities or chiefs of police. We are looking at all those things and will see what is the most effective way to take payment by results forward in the interests of us all.

[Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con)]

14. What progress he has made in implementing his plans for the rehabilitation of prisoners.

[The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick Herbert)]

We have started piloting payment-by-results models to drive what works and drug recovery wings. We are supporting the piloting and roll-out of mental health liaison and diversion services in police custody and courts. We are also developing plans to make prisons places of hard work.

[Mr Clappison]

Would not the task of the employment and work programmes to which my right hon. Friend has referred be improved if prisoners actually worked while in prison? Is it not the case that far too few prisoners are given the opportunity to work in prison workshops for a full working week? Would that not be of benefit to prisoners and their victims?