Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Peter Dowd and Caroline Dinenage

Tuesday 23rd June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Peter Dowd (Bootle) (Lab)]

To protect and ensure sufficient access for people with mental health problems, the Justice Committee urged the Government in 2011—reaffirmed in a 2015 report—to carry out research into the geographical distribution of legal aid providers to avoid irreparable loss of capacity. What progress has been made on that recommendation?

[Caroline Dinenage]

I am happy to write to the hon. Gentleman with the exact details, but NHS England has developed national specifications for health and justice services. All prisons now have clear commissioning models, and that works as people leave prison and move into the community rehabilitation service as well.