Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to involve prisoners in the production of personal protection equipment.

We have been working with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to explore what items of equipment or support materials could be manufactured in prison workshops to help support front line medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

HMP High Down has already successfully assembled 3,500 face visors and 2,000 pairs of goggles for the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

We are also mobilising HMPs: High Down, Swansea, Channings Wood, Wakefield, Risley, Highpoint, Whatton and New Hall for the manufacturing of “Scrubs” (garments worn underneath medical coveralls) and “Scrub Bags” (used to launder other garments) for NHS staff.