Committee publication · Correspondence · 28 January 2026 · HC 702
Correspondence from Lord Timpson, dated 19 January, relating to the evidence session on 17th December.
From: Welsh Affairs Committee
Summary
Lord Timpson responds to Welsh Affairs Committee queries from its December 2025 evidence session. He confirms the MoJ does not collect data linking self-harm rates to distance from home for female prisoners, citing identification risks. He outlines support schemes for Welsh women prisoners, digital learning provision across Welsh prisons, and notes education data responsibility lies with Welsh Government under devolved arrangements.
Key findings
- MoJ does not collect data on self-harm rates linked to distance from home for female prisoners due to small prisoner numbers making individuals potentially identifiable.
- Support for Welsh women prisoners includes 'Visiting Mums' contracted service (PACT), Welsh-speaking staff, and Welsh-language materials at Eastwood Park and Styal.
- HMP Eastwood Park operates multi-agency discharge boards at 10 and 2 weeks pre-release and commissions Independent Domestic Violence Advisors via the Women's Justice Blueprint.
- Digital learning provision across Welsh prisons includes Way2learn in-cell learning, Coracle educational laptops, virtual driving simulators (Tenstar), and developing VR headset courses.
- Education data collection in Welsh prisons is devolved; HMPPS reports quarterly performance data to Welsh Government under a Memorandum of Understanding covering starts, completion, attainment and success rates.
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
Lord Timpson, Ruth Jones MP, Ministry of Justice (MoJ), HMPPS (Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service), Welsh Government, PACT, HMP Eastwood Park, HMP Styal
Notable line
“… the MoJ do not collect this. Given the small number of women in custody, breaking self -harm data down by distance from home or by home location could result in individuals being identifiable.”
Key Quotes
“I can confirm that the MoJ do not collect this. Given the small number of women in custody, breaking self -harm data down by distance from home or by home location could result in individuals being identifiable.”
“The challenge that physical distance presents for Welsh Women and their families in our care is addressed through several schemes.”
“Education in Wales is a devolved matter and therefore the information collected relating to this is the responsibility of the Welsh Government.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗