Prisons: New Prisons Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Prisons: New Prisons

Lord Beecham Excerpts
Wednesday 20th March 2013

(11 years, 9 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord McNally Portrait Lord McNally
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My Lords, the right reverend Prelate is correct, and that is why new prisons are designed to be able to facilitate opportunities for work, education, training and rehabilitation. That is the benefit of a new-build policy.

Lord Beecham Portrait Lord Beecham
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My Lords, will the Minister ensure that in addition to being environmentally sustainable, new prisons are located in places that are not too far removed from the places whence the prisoners have come and where they might find jobs after their release?

Lord McNally Portrait Lord McNally
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My Lords, as part of the rehabilitation revolution we are looking at a release programme for prisoners whereby they can be located in a prison that gives them a chance for suitable training and, as I think I have mentioned before, with an emphasis on “through the gate” support after they leave prison, if possible in locations close to where they are going to live thereafter.