Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate he has made of the number of breaches of Release On Temporary Licence when individuals are given temporary release for marriage in each year since 2010.

We are unable to answer this question within cost limits.

By providing opportunities to work, learn and build family ties, temporary release from prison helps ensure offenders don't return to crime when they leave prison. Evidence shows the vast majority abide by their temporary release conditions, with the compliance rate standing at well over 99%. Non-compliance is, and will continue to be, dealt with robustly.

Prisoners wishing to marry in prison must apply to the prison governor for permission. The governor will make a decision based on a risk assessment of the prisoner and proposed venue. Depending on risk factors, the application may be refused, or the prisoner may be given permission to marry either in prison, outside the establishment under a security escort, or outside the establishment on ROTL.

Only Category D prisoners are routinely allowed to marry outside a prison and the prisoner must meet all associated costs of a marriage ceremony or civil partnership registration.