§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedure is followed for the certification of cells as fit for use by prisoners in Her Majesty's prisons; and how often and in what circumstances cells are reinspected with reference to certification.
§ Mr. HurdCells and other accommodation are certified in accordance with section 14 of the Prison Act 1952, rule 23 of the Prison Rules 1964 and circular instructions 81/1967 and 59/1973 (copies of which are in the Library of the House). The necessary inspections are carried out by Prison Department regional officers, and all accommodation for prisoners is required to be inspected at least once a year.