Prisons: New Prisons

Lord Bishop of Liverpool Excerpts

Wednesday 20th March 2013 Lords Chamber

Asked By

[The Lord Bishop of Liverpool]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that all new prisons are environmentally sustainable.

[The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally)]

My Lords, the Building Research Establishment environmental assessment method—BREEAM—sets the standard for best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation, using recognised measures of performance set against established benchmarks. All new prisons are required to be BREEAM-assessed to a standard of excellence.

[The Lord Bishop of Liverpool]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that very encouraging reply. Does he recognise that sustainable prisons, with productive gardens, workshops and even small farms, can help with rehabilitation and reduce reoffending, especially among the very high proportion of prisoners with mental illness?

[Lord McNally]

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.