HL Deb 13 January 1997 vol 577 c16WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they agree with Her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons that the National Health Service should take over responsibility for the mental health of prisoners detained in Her Majesty's Prisons; and, if not, why not.

Baroness Blatch:

There are no current plans for the National Health Service to assume responsibility for the mental health care of prisoners.

We are, however, committed to improving health care for prisoners, including mental health care. We believe that there is considerable potential for achieving better health services and better value for money by working closely with the National Health Service and other providers.