§ 21. Dr. Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park) (LD)What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department regarding women prisoners. [170670]
§ The Deputy Minister for Women and Equality (Jacqui Smith)My official and I have had various discussions with the Home Office. With regard to women prisoners, we welcome the recently published women's offending reduction programme action plan, which aims to ensure that interventions are better tailored to meet the needs of women. I heartily support the Home Secretary's April announcement of a substantial new initiative to fund specialists units, with specially trained staff, for young women in prison.
§ Dr. TongeI thank the Minister for her response, but she must realise that the number of women in prison has now reached an all-time high—more than 4,600. Even more disturbing is the 200 per cent. increase in suicide rates among women prisoners over the past five years. When can we expect to see some improvement? I appreciate that the Government are trying to do something, but in view of the responsibilities that women have over and above those of men, when will we see a reduction in the number of women prisoners and better conditions for those in prison?
§ Jacqui SmithThe objective of the women's offending reduction programme is to help reduce the number of women in prison by ensuring that sentences have confidence in alternatives to custodial sentences. That is already happening. I share the hon. Lady's concern about suicides: that is why I am pleased that there are now "suicide co-ordinators" in each women's prison to tackle the pressures that contribute to the disproportionate number of suicides among women prisoners. I hope that they will begin to make progress in reducing that unacceptable level.
§ Julie Morgan (Cardiff, North) (Lab)Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are currently about 70 women under 18 in prison? Does she think prison a suitable place for young women of that age? The Government have managed to get all the 15 and 16-year-olds out of 1489 prison; what can my right hon. Friend do to ensure that the same is done for the very small, very vulnerable group of 17-year-olds?
§ Jacqui SmithI hope my hon. Friend will join me in welcoming the Home Secretary's announcement of considerable investment in the development of specialist units so that when there is no alternative to custody, those young women are kept separately from adults and receive education and support that will prove important for their resettlement.
Also important is the development of initiatives such as the accommodation-plus initiative, which is being piloted in certain areas. Young women who are at risk of offending are given accommodation, along with educational support to prevent them from offending and ending up in prison.
§ Sandra Gidley (Romsey) (LD)As the Minister will know, in 2002 most women's convictions were for shoplifting and non-violent offences. Two thirds of those convicted of such offences were women. Reoffending rates have soared to 60 per cent. What is the Department doing, along with employers, to ensure that women receive training and a promise of employment, so that those cycles are not repeated endlessly?
§ Jacqui SmithThe hon. Lady makes a very important point about the need for resettlement services, and I know that the women's team that is responsible for prisons is focusing on them in the action that it is taking forward. In particular, it is investing an additional £640,000 in those services to strengthen the employment advice that she mentioned and to make sure that housing advice and housing provision—they are often a top priority for women—are available to women when they come out of prison so that they can return to their child care responsibilities. It also provides them with the base on which to build their work and lives back in the community so that they avoid reoffending and ending up back in prison.