Prisons: New Prisons

Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames Excerpts

Wednesday 20th March 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord McNally]

I am aware of that scheme, although I have not had an opportunity to visit it. However, it illustrates the wisdom of the right reverend Prelate’s follow-up point: that in the environment there are many possible solutions to reoffending and for rehabilitation.

[Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames]

My Lords, does my noble friend the Minister agree that a great deal of international experience supports the right reverend Prelate’s point? In Hong Kong, there is a new 1,400-bed women’s prison, and a large number of units in the United States. Initial evidence shows that in such prisons there are important human, behavioural and social benefits as well as the obvious financial and environmental ones.

[Lord McNally]

I agree with my noble friend. Despite what the reports say in certain sections of our media, there is a far better chance of rehabilitating people in decent and humane conditions than in antiquated and inhumane ones.