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Written question asked by Grahame Morris (Labour) on Friday, 16 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 February 2024 (named day). It was answered by Edward Argar (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 February 2024 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Prisons: Razors

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of ending the supply of razors to prisoners.

Answer

The number of assaults on prison officers involving razors in each of the last 24 months, and subsequently how many of those have resulted in (a) hospitalisation or (b) prison officers leaving the service could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Data on how many prisoners have been successfully prosecuted for attacks on prison officers with razors could also only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

We are committed to making prisons a safe place to work and recognise the risks associated with the current wet shave razor provision. In the 2021 Prison Safety White Paper, we committed to trial alternatives to wet-shave razors in prisons to test whether a change in approach might lead to a safer environment for both prisoners and staff. Throughout 2022 and 2023 six pilots have been carried out in the male estate and one carried out in the female estate.

Testing at all sites has now concluded and the results are being evaluated. The evaluation will consider outcomes, learning and positive practice from across all pilot sites and will be measured against the impact they have had on violence and/or self-harm.

The evaluation will be completed by the end of March 2024. This evaluation will enable us to make informed recommendations on future shaving provision in prison establishments.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
14004
Session
2023-24
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Prisoners Prisons Razors
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk