Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Bellingham and Jeremy Wright

Tuesday 21st May 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk) (Con)]

Further to the Secretary of State’s statement about prisons at the start of topical questions, does he agree that far too many drugs are still circulating in prisons? How far is he getting with his zero-tolerance policy, which is aimed at staff and visitors because the drugs are not coming into prisons with the prisoners?

[Jeremy Wright]

My hon. Friend is right that too many drugs are still coming into prisons, but he will be reassured to know that the rate of positive drug tests is coming down. As he will know, we must also tackle the misuse of prescription medication in jails. We are addressing all those problems to the best of our ability and will continue to do so.