Oral Answers to Questions

Kate Green Excerpts

Tuesday 6th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Dr Phillip Lee)]

One hundred babies resided in mother and baby units in English prisons in 2015. Prisons do an excellent job in making these environments as pleasant as possible and babies are able to spend time away from the prison with nominated carers. However, knowing the importance of the early years for child development, it is essential that we consider alternative ways of dealing with female offenders, including those with young children and babies and other caring responsibilities.

[Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab)]

T8. The Secretary of State alluded earlier to the closure and imminent sale of Holloway prison and she may be aware of the wish to site a woman’s centre on the site. Discussions are taking place, I understand, with the Mayor of London. Can the Secretary of State confirm that she and the Government will play their part in ensuring an outcome that secures services for women on that site?

[Elizabeth Truss]

I thank the hon. Lady for her question, and I will be very interested in looking more at the details of that proposal.