Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of trends in staffing levels in prisons over the last five years.

Information on prison staffing levels can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/her-majestys-prison-and-probation-service-workforce-quarterly-march-2018.

At the end of March 2018, 21,041 FTE prison officers were in post; representing increases of 2,638 (14.3%) compared to 31 March 2017 and 1,116 (5.6%) since 31 December 2017.

This is the highest number of officers in post since 31 May 2013. Over the previous year, 5,244 Band 3 officers were appointed; representing an increase of 125.8% compared to the 12 months to 31 March 2017.

Our recruitment drive continues and will continue until we reach required levels across the prison estate, which is vital to ensuring prisons are safe, secure and decent.