Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the routine maintenance of custodial facilities and probation premises; and what assessment he has made of the potential effect of reduced maintenance of such facilities for (a) people in custody and on probation, (b) prison and probation staff and (c) operational capacity.

Delivery of routine maintenance of custodial facilities and probation premises has been maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of our prisons and most of our approved premises have remained open and operational. We will ensure that probation buildings are reopened in a safe, controlled manner, ensuring that COVID-secure guidelines are adhered to.