Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the table in the Answer of 14 October 2026 to Question 30124, for what reasons the 1,324 cells at HMP Millsike, 1,554 cells at HMP Five Wells and 1,776 cells at HMP Fosse Way recorded as having a CNA of one and a maximum capacity of two are occupied by only one prisoner and whether he intends for these cells to be used at their maximum capacity.

Holding two prisoners in a cell designed for one is the definition of crowding. Cells with a CNA of one and a maximum capacity of two are single cells that are physically large enough to crowd.

The maximum crowding levels at each prison are robustly assessed by HMPPS and are not determined by cell size alone; decency, safety, proper operation of the planned regime, staffing levels and adequacy of ancillary services are all material factors in determining crowding levels at every prison.