Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has had discussions with the Welsh Government on the adequacy of speech and language therapy training places in the context of demand for those services within the criminal justice system.

This department recognises that speech and language therapy is essential to enable the rehabilitation of many in the criminal justice system. It helps to improve communication skills, provide tools for conflict resolution and enable patients to eat and drink safely.

Responsibility for commissioning these services in Welsh prisons sits with the Local Health Boards, as healthcare is devolved to the Welsh Government. Our officials meet regularly with the Local Health Boards and Welsh Government to support and enable the delivery of health and social care in Welsh prisons.