Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Report of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Periodic visit to the United Kingdom carried out by the CPT from 8 to 21 June 2021 and the Government response, if he will take steps to ensure that (a) all prisoners can benefit from at least one hour of outdoor exercise per day and (b) cells in all prisons in England and Wales measuring less than 8 m² excluding the space taken by the in-cell sanitary annexe are only used for single-occupancy.

HMPPS is committed to promoting prisoner welfare and wellbeing. This is ensured through a number of procedures and mandatory policies.

In relation to Time in the Open Air, subject to weather conditions and the need to maintain good order and discipline, all prisoners are afforded a minimum of 30 minutes in the open air daily. However, many prisoners may regularly benefit from more, including through participation in activities.

Prison cell occupancy in prisons in England and Wales is certified by the Prison Group Director (PGD) in accordance with the Certified Prisoner Accommodation Framework, which provides guidelines for determining cell capacities. Cells are only shared where a PGD has assessed them to be of an adequate size and condition.