Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he has taken to engage with the voluntary sector in connection with the running of the new prison in North Wales.

The decision as to who will operate the prison in North Wales has yet to be made. Once a provider has been identified it will be expected that their plans for operation will include the involvement of the voluntary sector and other providers to maximise rehabilitative opportunities for offenders.

Although a decision has not been made on the operator, discussions have taken place with PACT (Prisoner Advice and Care Trust), the voluntary sector umbrella group which focuses on the children and families of prisoners, to inform the design of visits areas and other aspects of the build which have implications for children and families.