Written questions by Shelbrooke.

If he will set out the oversight mechanisms in place to hold private custody and prisoner transport providers accountable for delays in delivering prisoners to court.

Prisoner Escort and Custody Services (PECS) are performing strongly, despite continuing pressures across the criminal justice system. In 2025, overall criminal justice system delivery to court was timely in 98.19% of cases; PECS suppliers met contractual expectations by delivering prisoners to court on time in 99.91% of cases.HM Prison & Probation Service’s Contract Management Team (CMT) provides rigorous oversight through a clear contractual and governance framework, applying commercial levers where delays are attributable to provider actions. The CMT works closely with stakeholders through quarterly Strategic Partnership Boards and monthly Contract Management Boards to drive improvement, address system-wide challenges, and ensure suppliers are held fully to account. If a contractor’s performance falls below the required standard, financial service credits will be applied, in accordance with the contract mechanism. Any persistent or systemic issues can trigger formal improvement notices, rectification plans or other contractual remedies.We are assessing the potential impact of current reform policies on delivery timeliness, to ensure that the system remains resilient and effective.

Whether he has made an assessment of the support available to victims of child sexual exploitation when court proceedings are paused due to the victim's mental health needs.

Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) roles, including children's ISVAs (CHISVAs), are intended provide information about the criminal justice process to the victim, including what to expect at each stage.Statutory guidance published in May 2025, under section 16 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 and related regulations, aims to improve the consistency of support delivered by these roles. The guidance outlines that both ISVAs and CHISVAs can provide emotional and practical support to children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse. This support can continue while court proceedings are paused.When the victim is able to re-engage in the court proceedings, the offered support can include sitting with or near the victim in the courtroom (if the courtroom layout allows) or any other place where the victim takes part, unless there is good reason for the judge/magistrate to refuse.Pre-recorded cross-examination is also available so that children can avoid the stress of giving evidence in a live trial setting, which many find traumatic.In addition, the Ministry of Justice provides grant funding to over 60 specialist support organisations in England and Wales through the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund (RASASF). Organisations in receipt of RASASF funding deliver activities that help victims of sexual abuse, including recent and non-recent victims of child sexual abuse, to cope, build resilience, and move forward with their lives. This is complimented by specific support for child victims of sexual exploitation offered by the Home Office through their Support for Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse fund.