Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate he has made of the level of funding required to ensure that HMP Birmingham meets the standards set out by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.

The contract with G4S has not been terminated. HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has, since 20 August, exercised its right under the contract to step in and take over the running of HMP Birmingham for an initial period of six months. The contract with G4S requires them to provide sufficient resources to manage the prison effectively.

The additional cost of the step-in action, including HMPPS staff, has yet to be finalised. However, the entire cost, together with any reduction in the price for cells taken out of operational use, will be recovered in accordance with our contract with G4S.

As part of developing the action plan in response to the Urgent Notification, we continue to consider the steps necessary to respond to the concerns raised. We will also need to further consider action required when the full inspection report is received in the coming months.