Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if an evaluation of the pilots of in-cell technology in (a) HMP Wayland and (b) HMP Berwyn has been completed.

The University of Leicester completed their Evaluation of Digital Technology in Prisons, (Palmer, Hatcher and Tonkin) in 2019, which covered the pilot in HMP Wayland but did not include HMP Berwyn. The intention is to publish this shortly.

The pilots saw the introduction of laptops to both prisons which give access to prison-related notices, communication and rules, mental health advice and education materials. Prisoners also have some access to self-service tools, which helps to reduce the administrative burden on prison staff. This platform is monitored daily for usage and through digital feedback from prisoners and staff.

The evaluation indicated that staff and prisoners viewed the presence of digital technology as an incentive for good behaviour and the implementation of the technology, particularly the in-cell telephones, was seen to have reduced the potential for tension on the wings, and perceived levels of conflict.