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<p>I am grateful for the time that the Committee has spent looking at prison healthcare.
We are considering carefully the Committee’s recommendations and will respond in due
course. Tackling drugs is vital to ensure safe and productive prison environments
and this includes preventing prisoners developing substance misuse issues.</p><p>To
do this, we have formed a Drugs Taskforce, working with law enforcement and health
partners across government. The Taskforce is developing a national drugs strategy,
underpinned by advice and guidance that will support the whole of the estate to restrict
supply, reduce demand and build recovery. Restricting access to illicit drugs in prison
is crucial to preventing substance misuse. We are working with the police to catch
and convict criminals who smuggle contraband into prisons, and exploring additional
security measures and new technology to stop these incursions. Reducing demand for
drugs in prison also requires us to get the incentives right. We have developed the
concept of ‘Incentivised Substance Free Living’, where prisoners who can demonstrate
– through regular compact-based and random mandatory testing – that they are not misusing
drugs can experience better living conditions. This will support prisoners to make
good decisions and prevent them developing issues with substance misuse. We are also
testing innovative approaches through our £9 million joint Ministry of Justice and
Department of Health and Social Care Drug Recovery Prison pilot at HMP Holme House.</p><p>
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