Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Judd (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 19 July 2006.

Courts: Sentencing Guidance

Question: My Lords, further to the right reverend Prelate’s question, is my noble friend aware that, when the Joint Committee on Human Rights was visiting Holloway, members, including myself, were deeply disturbed to hear from staff of occasions when it was discovered only during the process of receiving prisoners from court—sometimes late in the evening—that there were unattended children at home? Will she assure the House that all steps will be taken to make sure that such situations never arise in future?

Answer: My Lords, I assure my noble friend that steps are already taken to that effect. He should be aware that sometimes the people involved do not disclose that they have children or they positively conceal it for various reasons. I assure the House that we will take all reasonable steps to make sure that, if children are involved, they are identified early and dealt with appropriately.

Secondary information