Lord Actonasked Her Majesty's Governement:
Further to the Answer by the Lord Rooker on 29 November 2001, (HL Deb, cols 456–7), whether they have decided to establish a board responsible for women in the criminal justice system as recommended by the Lord Chief Justice. [HL4066]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Rooker)Since I last responded to this Question from my noble friend on 29 January 2002 (Official Report, col. WA 23) the Government have announced the establishment of a new Correctional Services Board which will set the overarching strategy for the correctional services, monitor performance, review allocation of resources and encourage joint working. An early focus for the board will be the need to improve services in relation to 18 to 20 year-olds, with the potential to expand this focus to other groups, including women. The development and direction of the work of the board will be informed by the review of the operation of the youth justice system, which provides a useful model for the distinct treatment of a particular group of offenders, including women.