Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to his Department's annual report and accounts for 2021-22, for what reason his Department has increased the contingent liability for injuries to staff, prisoners and the public.

The contingent liabilities in question relate to HMPPS and are in respect of claims for injuries to staff, prisoners and the public but also third-party contract disputes and other legal claims brought against the agency, where the likelihood for a liability arising is deemed possible but unlikely.

The increase in the value reported related to a specific legal challenge which does not relate to injuries.