Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they are having with G4S Custodial and Detention Services about the findings of the report of HM Chief Inspector of Prisons on HM Prison Altcourse, published on 15 October, in respect of cells designed for one or two people holding an additional prisoner.

All establishments within the prison estate are required to comply with the cell certification and occupancy requirements. This is reflected in the contract for the running of HMP Altcourse.

The prison operator is finalising an action plan in response to H M Inspectorate of Prisons’ recommendations. The plan will be discussed, and progress in implementing the actions monitored, at the regular meetings between the Controller (representing the Secretary of State), who is based at the prison, and the prison’s Director.

The action plan will also be discussed at the quarterly contract review meetings, which are attended by the Director and his team, the Controller and officials from the National Offender Management Service.