Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Elmore and Rory Stewart

Tuesday 5th February 2019 Commons Chamber

[Rory Stewart]

I will do my very best to attend that meeting.

[Chris Elmore (Ogmore) (Lab)]

Wales has the highest incarceration rate in western Europe, which has risen to 154 per 100,000 of the population. Custodial sentences are also up in Wales but have dropped 16% in England. What more can Ministers do to bring about a bespoke solution for Welsh prisoners and to try to improve the criminal justice system in Wales?

[Rory Stewart]

The big transformation that will take place in Wales is bringing probation back fully under Government control, so we will have a much closer connection between prisons, probation and the devolved authorities. In the Welsh context, we think that is particularly suitable for the devolved Administration and should address some of those concerns.