Prisons: Deaths of Young People

Lord Hill of Oareford Excerpts

Thursday 6th February 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall (Lab)]

My Lords—

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Hill of Oareford) (Con)]

My Lords, we will hear from the Labour Benches first. I am sure we can get both questions in if we are quick, and if the questions are short and the answers brief.

[Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall]

My Lords, briefly, could the Minister confirm that the health assessment at the very beginning of custody includes assessment of mental health? If it does—which I hope it does—can the Minister say who conducts those mental health assessments and whether they are fully competent to do so?