Written question asked by Lord Bellingham (Conservative) on Monday, 24 April 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 April 2006. It was answered by Fiona Mactaggart (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 May 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

Prisons

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment he has made of the use of the special cell at HM Prison Leeds.

Answer: Following HM Chief Inspector of Prison's inspection, the special cell is only used where full relocation is necessary for violent and/or refractory prisoners. Each usage is authorised by a governor and a quality assurance checklist has been implemented. Guidance ensures that all paperwork explains why the special accommodation has been used and that this is never to be used solely for preventing self- harm. Regular contact with the prisoner takes place, at no more than 15-minute intervals, with staff/prisoner interactions recorded in the unit log sheet.

Secondary information