Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Tuesday 17th December 2013 Commons Chamber

[Jeremy Wright]

I think my hon. Friend refers to a quote that is specifically about the youth estate, but he is absolutely right that education is just as important in the adult estate. Too many prisoners cannot read and write properly, which means that their chances of securing employment on release are much reduced. Under our reforms of rehabilitation, we will expect providers to ensure that someone is supported not only through the gate, but in the community for at least 12 months. One of the best ways of supporting them to stay free of crime is to make sure that they get employment, so I would absolutely expect them to be interested in literacy as well as many other things.

[Mr Speaker]

The right hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Sir Andrew Stunell) was already looking excited, but I imagine his excitement will now be boundless.

[Sir Andrew Stunell (Hazel Grove) (LD)]

20. What steps he plans to take to ensure that the voluntary sector is able to compete for rehabilitation contracts.

--- Later in debate ---

[Chris Grayling]

If you were to visit Stafford prison, Mr Speaker, you could not help being impressed by the work being done by the team on the ground, bringing valuable contracts and work experience into the prison. Of course, our central team that looks for opportunities to bring work into prisons will work with Stafford and other prisons to ensure that we do as much as we can to keep prisoners active.

[Mr Speaker]

I must tell the Secretary of State that I have visited the prison myself, but sadly it was 13 years ago. I am sure it is even better now than it was then. [Interruption.] No, I did so in my capacity as a shadow Minister. [Laughter.]

[The Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims (Damian Green)]

The whole House is relieved to hear that, Mr Speaker!

--- Later in debate ---

[Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

I would not want the hon. Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) to feel either forgotten or ignored. We must hear the hon. Gentleman, with brevity.

[Dr Huppert]

For many years there has been an increase in private companies doing public sector work. Does the Secretary of State agree that that must be done in a transparent and accountable way, and will he extend the Freedom of Information Act to cover it?