Committees

Government responses to cross-border health and prisons reports published

10 September 2015

The Government has responded to the two final reports of the Welsh Affairs Committee in the last parliament, and both responses are published today.

Prisons in Wales and the treatment of Welsh offenders

Cross-border health arrangements between England and Wales

David T.C. Davies MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, welcomed the publication of the Government's responses to the Reports

"I am glad that the final two reports of our predecessor committee have made their mark within Government. I should like to pay tribute to the members of the previous committee who worked together on both of these inquiries.

On the prisons report, whilst we remain concerned by overcrowding, particularly at HMP Swansea and Cardiff, we were encouraged by the constructive approach taken by the Ministry of Justice to our proposals for the new North Wales Prison at Wrexham. We will keep a close eye on the progress of the construction and opening, and also on the performance of the Wales Community Rehabilitation Company as it seeks to transform the rehabilitation of Welsh offenders.

On the previous committee's health report, the UK and Welsh Governments have clearly seen the need to work together to improve the experiences of people living on either side of the border. The Department of Health has asked NHS England to take forward work in respect of a number of the committee's recommendations, and is ‘refreshing' the forum in which NHS England works with the Welsh NHS. Action being taken in respect of performers' lists and information sharing is very welcome, and we hope that it is proven to be effective."

Further information

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