Extracts from Lords
motion to approve the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Search,
Seizure and Detention of Property: Code of Practice) Order
2018
(Lab):...What steps
have the Government taken recently to satisfy themselves that the
necessary resources are available to implement effectively the
powers and authorities to which these codes relate? What are the
asset recovery rates of the agencies concerned, and how have those
changed over the last five years? Do the agencies have a target
figure they are expected to achieve and are they achieving it? Are
the Government satisfied with the performance of the agencies
concerned on asset recovery and, if not, what action is being
taken? Finally, can the Government give an assurance that, since
the codes refer, I believe, to immigration officers, among others,
the important powers covered by these codes will not be conferred
on outside bodies acting for the Government, such
as G4S and
Serco?
(Con):
My Lords, I am grateful to both noble Lords for their support for
these measures, and I will try as best I can to answer the
questions raised. I can confirm that the powers cannot be applied
to G4S. I repeat the assurance my ministerial colleague gave
yesterday in another place...
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Extract from Justice
Questions (Commons)
(Lewisham West and Penge)
(Lab): Last week, I visited Medway secure training
centre for 12 to 17-year-olds which, in 2016, was the subject of
a “Panorama” report that exposed widespread abuse while it was
run by G4S. The centre is now run by Her Majesty’s Prison and
Probation Service and things are improving. Young people talk
positively about rehabilitation and staff are motivated. Many
STCs and secure children’s homes remain in private hands. Given
the lessons of Medway STC, will the Government now commit to
reversing the privatisation of the youth justice system? [902773]
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
(Mr David Lidington): If one looks back at inspection
reports over the years, one can see examples of good practice and
poorer practice at both state-run and privately operated prisons
and secure training centres. There are good reports on, for
example, how G4S has operated HMP Parc for adult and young
offenders. When there are problems with privately operated
prisons, my hon. Friends and I take them up directly and firmly
with the company concerned...
