Safety in Custody and Violence in Prisons Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Safety in Custody and Violence in Prisons

Lucy Frazer Excerpts
Monday 9th May 2016

(7 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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What an extraordinary and novel development—an hon. Member who does not indulge in superfluous repetition. The hon. Gentleman is in danger of winning a medal. It is an extraordinary development, and very welcome, I am sure.

Lucy Frazer Portrait Lucy Frazer (South East Cambridgeshire) (Con)
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The Minister mentioned the importance of dealing with mental health in prisons. On Friday I met a justice of the peace in my constituency who talked about the good work done by the liaison and diversion services. He encouraged me to encourage the Minister and the Secretary of State to extend those services and ensure that more community orders have as a condition that people get the help they need.

Andrew Selous Portrait Andrew Selous
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My hon. and learned Friend, who is also extremely knowledgeable on these issues, is absolutely right. The Government are committed to making sure that there is universal access to a mental health assessment from the moment that anyone encounters the criminal justice system. I also point her to the co-commissioning that is going to happen between governors and NHS England on mental health and drug abuse services. That will also be very beneficial.