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Written Question
Young Offender Institutions: Pepper Spray
Thursday 21st March 2024

Asked by: Lord Carlile of Berriew (Crossbench - Life peer)

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to permit the use of PAVA incapacitant spray in the children’s custodial estate; if so what is the timescale for its introduction; and what practical advice and instructions will be issued.

Answered by Lord Bellamy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The safety and welfare of children and young people in custody, and of our staff, is paramount. We are focused on improving safety in the youth estate, where we manage an increased risk of serious incidents, with higher rates of assault on young people and on staff than in other parts of the secure estate.

PAVA spray is currently available for use in the event of a serious incident in the youth estate, if the National Gold commander decides this is necessary. Consideration is being given to whether the criteria for its use in the youth estate require revision.

Following wide engagement on this issue, both with specialists across His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service, and externally, including with medical advisors and legal experts, we are in the process of examining all the evidence. This is taking time, owing to the complexity of the issues and the seriousness of the question to be decided.

The evaluation of the PAVA roll-out in the adult estate is currently being peer-reviewed prior to publication.


Written Question
Young Offender Institutions: Pepper Spray
Thursday 21st March 2024

Asked by: Lord Carlile of Berriew (Crossbench - Life peer)

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to publish an evidence-based assessment of the respective benefits and risks attached to the use of PAVA incapacitant spray in the children’s custodial estate.

Answered by Lord Bellamy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The safety and welfare of children and young people in custody, and of our staff, is paramount. We are focused on improving safety in the youth estate, where we manage an increased risk of serious incidents, with higher rates of assault on young people and on staff than in other parts of the secure estate.

PAVA spray is currently available for use in the event of a serious incident in the youth estate, if the National Gold commander decides this is necessary. Consideration is being given to whether the criteria for its use in the youth estate require revision.

Following wide engagement on this issue, both with specialists across His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service, and externally, including with medical advisors and legal experts, we are in the process of examining all the evidence. This is taking time, owing to the complexity of the issues and the seriousness of the question to be decided.

The evaluation of the PAVA roll-out in the adult estate is currently being peer-reviewed prior to publication.


Speech in Lords Chamber - Wed 20 Mar 2024
Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill

Speech Link

View all Lord Carlile of Berriew (XB - Life peer) contributions to the debate on: Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill

Speech in Lords Chamber - Wed 20 Mar 2024
Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill

Speech Link

View all Lord Carlile of Berriew (XB - Life peer) contributions to the debate on: Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill

Division Vote (Lords)
20 Mar 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Carlile of Berriew (XB) voted Aye and in line with the House
One of 52 Crossbench Aye votes vs 16 Crossbench No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 263 Noes - 233
Division Vote (Lords)
20 Mar 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Carlile of Berriew (XB) voted Aye and in line with the House
One of 45 Crossbench Aye votes vs 2 Crossbench No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 248 Noes - 209
Division Vote (Lords)
20 Mar 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Carlile of Berriew (XB) voted Aye and in line with the House
One of 66 Crossbench Aye votes vs 11 Crossbench No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 276 Noes - 226
Division Vote (Lords)
20 Mar 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Carlile of Berriew (XB) voted Aye and in line with the House
One of 71 Crossbench Aye votes vs 10 Crossbench No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 285 Noes - 230
Division Vote (Lords)
20 Mar 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Carlile of Berriew (XB) voted Aye and in line with the House
One of 57 Crossbench Aye votes vs 16 Crossbench No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 271 Noes - 228
Division Vote (Lords)
20 Mar 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Carlile of Berriew (XB) voted Aye and in line with the House
One of 50 Crossbench Aye votes vs 5 Crossbench No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 251 Noes - 214