To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prisoners have been moved out of HMP Dartmoor due to the suspected presence of radon gas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether prisoners imprisoned in the lower wings in HMP Dartmoor have been moved out of the prison due to the suspected presence of radon gas.

Between 24 November 2023 and 23 February 2024, the operational capacity of HMP Dartmoor was reduced by 184 places due to the presence of radon gas. Height has no relation to the places taken out of use for this reason; places have been taken out of use from both upper and lower landings. In total, 194 prisoners have transferred out of HMP Dartmoor over this period. This figure represents all transfers out of the prison and not just transfers due to radon. This is a temporary measure while work to permanently reduce radon levels is completed. There are no safety implications to staff or prisoners who remain on site.

HMPPS is continually investing in the prison estate to ensure that prisons remain safe, decent and secure. Our investment each year ensures that all prisons will remain operational. This includes the continuing programme to fire safety across the estate, as per our commitment to the Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate to make all accommodation compliant by the end of 2027, major upgrades to security and investment in safety and decency across all prisons.