§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new policy decisions he plans to reduce the number of prisoners who are transferred to mental institutions(a) before sentence and (b) after sentence; and if he will make a statement. [20804]
§ Mr. MacleanIt is well established Government policy that offenders suffering from mental disorder should, where necessary, receive care and treatment from the health and social services rather than in the criminal justice system. The transfer to hospital of prisoners requiring specialist care plays an important part in this.
The development of services for mentally disordered offenders and others with similar needs is a high priority for the NHS. My Department is working closely with the Department of Health in establishing initiatives, such as multi-agency working in courts and the provision of specialist training, to ensure that mentally disordered people who come into contact with the criminal justice system obtain the care that they need at the earliest possible stage.