HL Deb 20 January 2004 vol 657 c130WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether in order to achieve continuity of spiritual care and equality of care for those concerned, they will arrange for chaplaincy services in prisons and special hospitals to be provided by the same means in both classes of establishment. [HL422]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)

As the noble Lord will be aware, the Prison Service and the NHS currently manage chaplaincy provision in prisons and special hospitals separately. By 2006, prison healthcare services will transfer into the NHS, and this will help to enable the continuity of spiritual care for the prisoner/patient.