Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Helen Grant and Gordon Henderson

Tuesday 5th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Grant]

Yes, I have considered that very carefully. Indeed, I have visited a number of facilities. I visited a wonderful facility in Gloucester a couple of weeks ago and will visit Alana House in Reading on Thursday to look at the exact issue that the hon. Gentleman has raised. Community sentences must, however, be credible as sentences and with the public. They cannot be fluffy options. They should have a punitive element and they should absolutely challenge the woman, or the man, to change her life. That is why the Crime and Courts Bill will require every community order to have a punitive element.

[Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con)]

13. What plans he has for the provision of prison places.