Concerns over asbestos in YOIs

The admission came in a parliamentary answer from justice minister Andrew Selous to Dan Jarvis MP.

Selous said: “Some asbestos-containing material are present at each of the YOIs commissioned by the Youth Justice Board since April 2010.”

He added that latest records indicate that "no children have been exposed to asbestos while serving a custodial sentence in the last five years at any YOI”.

In addition, he sought to allay fears about the health risks the material presents to children in the secure estate by saying that the asbestos management policy in the prison service is “robust”.

“All Prison Service establishments ensure that measures are taken to manage asbestos-containing materials to minimise the possibility of exposure,” he added.

However, prison reformers have accused the MoJ of complacency over the prevalence of asbestos across the youth secure estate.

Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “Asbestos can be one of the most toxic substances and children should never be exposed to it. The minister is being complacent and obtuse about the damage that could be inflicted on children in prisons.”

Alex Hewson, policy officer at the Prison Reform Trust, said: "Children sent to custody expect to be deprived of their liberty, not their long-term health. The MoJ has a duty of care for the children and staff in its prisons. It must ensure that its accommodation is fit for purpose and doesn’t pose unnecessary risks to them. A prison sentence leaves a lasting mark on children's lives on release. It would be unacceptable if it left them with a potentially fatal illness as well.”

Concerns were raised last month by campaign group the Joint Union Asbestos Committee about the prevalence of asbestos in schools.

The government pledged to improve its guidance to schools on asbestos management as well as continue to fund its removal from buildings.

But the committee wants to see further action, including asbestos inspections across schools.