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- Point in Time (01/03/1998)
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Version Superseded: 27/09/1999
Point in time view as at 01/03/1998.
Prison Act 1952 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 13 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
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An Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to prisons and other institutions for offenders and related matters with corrections and improvements made under the Consolidation of Enactments (Procedure) Act 1949.
[1st August 1952]
Extent Information
E1For the extent of this Act see s. 55(3)(4)(5)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1By Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 10(1), Sch. 12 para. 23; S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 it is provided (14.10.1991) that in relation to any time before the commencement of s. 70 of that 1991 Act (which came into force on 1.10.1992 by S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2) references in any enactment amended by that 1991 Act, to youth courts shall be construed as references to juvenile courts.
C2Act applied (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 7(2)(4), 172(4)
Act applied (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 8(2), 172(4)
C3Act amended (1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 43, s. 41, Sch. 1 Pt. III para. 17(2)(3); S.I. 1997/2200, art. 2(1)(g) (with art. 5)
C4A reference to a detention centre within the meaning of Part VIII of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (c. 33) to be construed as a reference to a removal centre within the meaning of that Part (prosp.) by virtue of Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (c. 41), ss. {66(4)}, 162(2) (with s. 159)
Commencement Information
I1Act wholly in force at 1.10.1952 see s. 55(2)
All powers and jurisdiction in relation to prisons and prisoners which before the commencement of the M1Prison Act 1877 were exercisable by any other authority shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be exercisable by the Secretary of State.
Marginal Citations
Textual Amendments
F1S. 2 repealed by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
(1)The Secretary of State [F2may, for the purposes of this Act, appoint such officers and [F3employ such other persons] as he] may, with the sanction of the [F4Minister for the Civil Service] as to number, determine.
(2)There shall be paid out of moneys provided by Parliament to [F2the officers and servants appointed under this section] such salaries as the Secretary of State may with the consent of the [F4Minister for the Civil Service] determine.
Editorial Information
X1Unreliable marginal note
Textual Amendments
F2Words substituted by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
F3Words in s. 3(1) substituted (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(2), Sch. 10 para. 7; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Appendix B
F4Words substituted by virtue of S.I. 1968/1656, art. 2(1)(a)
(1)[F5The Secretary of State] shall have the general superintendence of prisons and shall make the contracts and do the other acts necessary for the maintenance of prisons and the maintenance of prisoners.
(2)[F5Officers of the Secretary of State duly authorised in that behalf], shall visit all prisons and examine the state of buildings, the conduct of officers, the treatment and conduct of prisoners and all other matters concerning the management of prisons and shall ensure that the provisions of this Act and of any rules made under this Act are duly complied with.
(3)[F5The Secretary of State and his officers] may exercise all powers and jurisdiction exercisable at common law, by Act of Parliament, or by charter by visiting justices of a prison.
Editorial Information
X2Unreliable marginal note
Textual Amendments
F5Words substituted by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
[F6(1)The Secretary of State shall issue an annual report on every prison and shall lay every such report before Parliament.]
(2)The report shall contain—
(a)a statement of the accommodation of each prison and the daily average and highest number of prisoners confined therein;
(b)such particulars of the work done by prisoners in each prison, including the kind and quantities of articles produced and the number of prisoners employed, as may in the opinion of the Secretary of State give the best information to Parliament;
(c)a statement of the punishments inflicted in each prison and of the offences for which they were inflicted, . . . F7
Editorial Information
X3Unreliable marginal note
Textual Amendments
F6S. 5(1) substituted by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
F7Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), Sch. 7 Pt. I
(1)Her Majesty may appoint a person to be Chief Inspector of Prisons.
(2)It shall be the duty of the Chief Inspector to inspect or arrange for the inspection of prisons in England and Wales and to report to the Secretary of State on them.
(3)The Chief Inspector shall in particular report to the Secretary of State on the treatment of prisoners and conditions in prisons.
(4)The Secretary of State may refer specific matters connected with prisons in England and Wales and prisoners in them to the Chief Inspector and direct him to report on them.
(5)The Chief Inspector shall in each year submit to the Secretary of State a report in such form as the Secretary of State may direct, and the Secretary of State shall lay a copy of that report before Parliament.
(6)The Chief Inspector shall be paid such salary and allowances as the Secretary of State may with the consent of the Treasury determine.]
Textual Amendments
F8S. 5A inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 57(1)
(1)F9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2)The Secretary of State shall appoint for every prison . . . F10 a board of visitors of whom not less than two shall be justices of the peace.
(3)Rules made as aforesaid shall prescribe the functions of . . . F10 boards of visitors and shall among other things require members to pay frequent visits to the prison and hear any complaints which may be made by the prisoners and report to the Secretary of State any matter which they consider it expedient to report; and any member of a . . . F10 board of visitors may at any time enter the prison and shall have free access to every part of it and to every prisoner.
(4)F9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Editorial Information
X4Unreliable marginal note
Textual Amendments
F9S. 6(1)(4) repealed by Courts Act 1971 (c. 23), Sch. 11 Pt. IV
F10Words repealed by Courts Act 1971 (c. 23), s. 53(3), Sch. 11 Pt. IV
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C5S. 6(2) restricted (1.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/728, rule 75
(1)Every prison shall have a governor, a chaplain and a medical officer and such other officers as may be necessary.
(2)Every prison in which women are received shall have a sufficient number of women officers; . . . F11
(3)A prison which in the opinion of the Secretary of State is large enough to require it may have a deputy governor or an assistant chaplain or both.
(4)The chaplain and any assistant chaplain shall be a clergyman of the Church of England and the medical officer shall be duly registered under the Medical Acts.
(5)F12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F11Words repealed by Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (c. 65), s. 18(2)
F12S. 7(5) repealed by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C6S. 7(1) modified (31.10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 87(2); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
Every prison officer while acting as such shall have all the powers, authority, protection and privileges of a constable.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C7S. 8 modified (31.10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1) s. 87(3); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
(1)An authorised employee at a prison shall have the power to search any prisoner for the purpose of ascertaining whether he has any unauthorised property on his person.
(2)An authorised employee searching a prisoner by virtue of this section—
(a)shall not be entitled to require a prisoner to remove any of his clothing other than an outer coat, jacket, headgear, gloves and footwear;
(b)may use reasonable force where necessary; and
(c)may seize and detain any unauthorised property found on the prisoner in the course of the search.
(3)In this section “authorised employee” means an employee of a description for the time being authorised by the governor to exercise the powers conferred by this section.
(4)The governor of a prison shall take such steps as he considers appropriate to notify to prisoners the descriptions of persons who are for the time being authorised to exercise the powers conferred by this section.
(5)In this section “unauthorised property”, in relation to a prisoner, means property which the prisoner is not authorised by prison rules or by the governor to have in his possession or, as the case may be, in his possession in a particular part of the prison.
Textual Amendments
F13S. 8A and sidenote inserted (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 152(1); S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C8S. 8A modified (3.2.1995) by 1991 c. 53, s. 87(3) (as amended (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(2), Sch. 10 para. 68; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Appendix B)
(1)A person shall not officiate as chaplain of two prisons unless the prisons are within convenient distance of each other and are together designed to receive not more than one hundred prisoners.
(2)Notice of the nomination of a chaplain or assistant chaplain to a prison shall, within one month after it is made, be given to the bishop of the diocese in which the prison is situate; and the chaplain or assistant chaplain shall not officiate in the prison except under the authority of a licence from the bishop.
Textual Amendments
F13S. 8A and sidenote inserted (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 152(1); S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
(1)Where in any prison the number of prisoners who belong to a religious denomination other than the Church of England is such as in the opinion of the Secretary of State to require the appointment of a minister of that denomination, the Secretary of State may appoint such a minister to that prison.
(2)The Secretary of State may pay a minister appointed under the preceding subsection such remuneration as he thinks reasonable.
(3)[F14The Secretary of State] may allow a minister of any denomination other than the Church of England to visit prisoners of his denomination in a prison to which no minister of that denomination has been appointed under this section.
(4)No prisoner shall be visited against his will by such a minister as is mentioned in the last preceding subsection; but every prisoner not belonging to the Church of England shall be allowed, in accordance with the arrangements in force in the prison in which he is confined, to attend chapel or to be visited by the chaplain.
(5)The governor of a prison shall on the reception of each prisoner record the religious denomination to which the prisoner declares himself to belong, and shall give to any minister who under this section is appointed to the prison or permitted to visit prisoners therein a list of the prisoners who have declared themselves to belong to his denomination; and the minister shall not be permitted to visit any other prisoners.
Textual Amendments
F14Words substituted by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C9S. 10(5) modified (31.10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 87(4); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
(1)Where any living accommodation is provided for a prison officer or his family by virtue of his office, then, if he ceases to be a prison officer or is suspended from office or dies, he, or, as the case may be, his family, shall quit the accommodation when required to do so by notice of [F15the Secretary of State].
(2)Where a prison officer or the family of a prison officer refuses or neglects to quit the accommodation forty–eight hours after the giving of such a notice as aforesaid, any two justices of the peace, on proof made to them of the facts authorising the giving of the notice and of the service of the notice and of the neglect or refusal to comply therewith, may, by warrant under their hands and seals, direct any constable, within a period specified in the warrant, to enter by force, if necessary, into the accommodation and deliver possession of it to [F15a person acting on behalf of the Secretary of State].
Textual Amendments
F15Words substituted by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C10S. 11 modified (31.10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 87(3); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
(1)A prisoner, whether sentenced to imprisonment or committed to prison on remand or pending trial or otherwise, may be lawfully confined in any prison.
(2)Prisoners shall be committed to such prisons as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct; and may by direction of the Secretary of State be removed during the term of their imprisonment from the prison in which they are confined to any other prison.
(3)A writ, warrant or other legal instrument addressed to the governor of a prison and identifying that prison by its situation or by any other sufficient description shall not be invalidated by reason only that the prison is usually known by a different description.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C11S. 12(1)(2) modified (31.10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 87(5); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
S. 12(2): certain functions made exercisable by the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales concurrently with the Secretary of State (20.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/1160, art. 4(1)(2)(b)
C12S. 12(3) modified (31.10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c.53, SIF 39:1), s. 87(4); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
(1)Every prisoner shall be deemed to be in the legal custody of the governor of the prison.
(2)A prisoner shall be deemed to be in legal custody while he is confined in, or is being taken to or from, any prison and while he is working, or is for any other reason, outside the prison in the custody or under the control of an officer of the prison [F16and while he is being taken to any place to which he is required or authorised by or under this Act [F17or the Criminal Justice Act 1982]to be taken, or is kept in custody in pursuance of any such requirement or authorisation].
Textual Amendments
F16Words added by Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39), Sch. 4
F17Words inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 4
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C13S. 13(1) modified (31.10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 87(4); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
C14S. 13(2) modified (31,10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 87(6); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
S. 13(2) modified (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 11(3)(4), 172(4)
S. 13(2) modified (3.11.1994) by 1991 c. 53, s. 88A (as inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 99, 172(4))
(1)The Secretary of State shall satisfy himself from time to time that in every prison sufficient accommodation is provided for all prisoners.
(2)No cell shall be used for the confinement of a prisoner unless it is certified by an inspector that its size, lighting, heating, ventilation and fittings are adequate for health and that it allows the prisoner to communicate at any time with a prison officer.
(3)A certificate given under this section in respect of any cell may limit the period for which a prisoner may be separately confined in the cell and the number of hours a day during which a prisoner may be employed therein.
(4)The certificate shall identify the cell to which it relates by a number or mark and the cell shall be marked by that number or mark placed in a conspicuous position; and if the number or mark is changed without the consent of an inspector the certificate shall cease to have effect.
(5)An inspector may withdraw a certificate given under this section in respect of any cell if in his opinion the conditions of the cell are no longer as stated in the certificate.
(6)In every prison special cells shall be provided for the temporary confinement of refractory or violent prisoners.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C15S. 14 amended by substitution for any reference to an inspector of a reference to an officer (not being an officer of a prison) acting on behalf of the Secretary of State: S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
C16S. 14(2) modified (31.10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 87(7); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
S. 14(2) modified (3.11.1994) by 1991 c. 53, s. 8A (as inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 99, 172(4))
C17S. 14(6) applied with modifications by S.I. 1988/1422, rule 48(3)
Textual Amendments
F18Ss. 15, 18 repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), Sch. 7 Pt. I
The Secretary of State may make regulations as to the measuring and photographing of prisoners and such regulations may prescribe the time or times at which and the manner and dress in which prisoners shall be measured and photographed and the number of copies of the measurements and photographs of each prisoner which shall be made and the persons to whom they shall be sent.
(1)If an authorisation is in force for the prison, any prison officer may, at the prison, in accordance with prison rules, require any prisoner who is confined in the prison to provide a sample of urine for the purpose of ascertaining whether he has any drug in his body.
(2)If the authorisation so provides, the power conferred by subsection (1) above shall include power to require a prisoner to provide a sample of any other description specified in the authorisation, not being an intimate sample, whether instead of or in addition to a sample of urine.
(3)In this section—
“authorisation” means an authorisation by the governor;
“drug” means any drug which is a controlled drug for the purposes of the M2Misuse of Drugs Act 1971;
“intimate sample” has the same meaning as in Part V of the M3Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984;
“prison officer” includes a prisoner custody officer within the meaning of Part IV of the Criminal Justice Act 1991; and
“prison rules” means rules under section 47 of this Act.
Textual Amendments
F19S. 16A and sidenote inserted (9.1.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 151(1); S.I. 1994/3192, art. 2, Sch.
Marginal Citations
(1)If an authorisation is in force for the prison, any prison officer may, at the prison, in accordance with prison rules, require any prisoner who is confined in the prison to provide a sample of breath for the purpose of ascertaining whether he has alcohol in his body.
(2)If the authorisation so provides, the power conferred by subsection (1) above shall include power—
(a)to require a prisoner to provide a sample of urine, whether instead of or in addition to a sample of breath, and
(b)to require a prisoner to provide a sample of any other description specified in the authorisation, not being an intimate sample, whether instead of or in addition to a sample of breath, a sample of urine or both.
(3)In this section—
“authorisation” means an authorisation by the governor;
“intimate sample” has the same meaning as in Part V of the M4Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984;
“prison officer” includes a prisoner custody officer within the meaning of Part IV of the M5Criminal Justice Act 1991;
“prison rules” means rules under section 47 of this Act.]
Textual Amendments
F19S. 16A and sidenote inserted (9.1.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 151(1); S.I. 1994/3192, art. 2, Sch.
F20S. 16B and sidenote inserted (21.5.1997) by 1997 c. 38, ss. 1, 3(2)
Marginal Citations
The medical officer of a prison shall not apply any painful tests to a prisoner for the purpose of detecting malingering or for any other purpose except with the permission of [F21the Secretary of State]or the visiting committee or, as the case may be, board of visitors.
Textual Amendments
F19S. 16A and sidenote inserted (9.1.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 151(1); S.I. 1994/3192, art. 2, Sch.
F21Words substituted by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
Textual Amendments
F22Ss. 15, 18 repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), Sch. 7 Pt. I
(1)A justice of the peace for any county . . . F23 may at any time visit any prison in that county . . . F23 and any prison in which a prisoner is confined in respect of an offence committed in that county . . . F23 and may examine the condition of the prison and of the prisoners and enter in the visitors’ book, to be kept by the governor of the prison, any observations on the condition of the prison or any abuses.
(2)Nothing in the preceding subsection shall authorise a justice of the peace to communicate with any prisoner except on the subject of his treatment in the prison, or to visit any prisoner under sentence of death.
(3)The governor of every prison shall bring any entry in the visitors’ book to the attention of the visiting committee or the board of visitors at their next visit.
Textual Amendments
F23Words repealed by Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70), Sch. 30
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C18S. 19(1)(3) modified (31.10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 87(4); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
S. 19(1) modified (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/674, reg. 2, Sch. Pt. II para. 5(2)(l)
S. 19(1) modified (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/675, art. 2, Sch. Pt. II para. 7(2)(l)
Textual Amendments
F24S. 20 repealed by Courts Act 1971 (c. 23), Sch. 11 Pt. IV
A prisoner shall not in any case be liable to pay the cost of his conveyance to prison.
(1)Rules made under section forty–seven of this Act may provide in what manner an appellant within the meaning of [F25Part I of the M6Criminal Appeal Act 1968]when in custody, is to be taken to, kept in custody at, and brought back from, any place at which he is entitled to be present for the purposes of that Act, or any place to which the Court of Criminal Appeal or any judge thereof may order him to be taken for the purpose of any proceedings of that court.
(2)The Secretary of State may—
(a) . . . F26
(b)if he is satisfied that a person so detained requires [F27medical investigation or observation or]medical or surgical treatment of any description, direct him to be taken to a hospital or other suitable place for the purpose of the [F27investigation, observation or]treatment;
and where any person is directed under this subsection to be taken to any place he shall, unless the Secretary of State otherwise directs, be kept in custody while being so taken, while at that place, and while being taken back to the prison in which he is required in accordance with law to be detained.
Textual Amendments
F25Words substituted by Criminal Appeal Act 1968 (c. 19), Sch. 5
F26S. 22(2)(a) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39), Sch. 5
F27Words inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 5
Marginal Citations
For the purpose of taking a person to or from any prison under the order of any authority competent to give the order a constable or other officer may act outside the area of his jurisdiction and shall notwithstanding that he is so acting have all the powers, authority, protection and privileges of his office.
(1)In any sentence of imprisonment the word “month” shall, unless the contrary is expressed, be construed as meaning calendar month.
(2)F28
Textual Amendments
F28S. 24(2) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39), Sch. 5
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C19S. 24 excluded (1.9.2001) by 2001 c. 17, s. 42, Sch. 7 para. 2(1)(a) (with s. 78); S.I. 2001/2161, art. 2
Textual Amendments
F29S. 25 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(2), Sch. 13; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2
Textual Amendments
F30Ss. 25(2)–(6), 26, 27 repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), Sch. 7 Pt. I
(1)If the Secretary of State is satisfied that by reason of the condition of a prisoner’s health it is undesirable to detain him in prison, but that, such condition of health being due in whole or in part to the prisoner’s own conduct in prison, it is desirable that his release should be temporary and conditional only, the Secretary of State may, if he thinks fit, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, by order authorise the temporary discharge of the prisoner for such period and subject to such conditions as may be stated in the order.
(2)Where an order of temporary discharge is made in the case of a prisoner not under sentence, the order shall contain conditions requiring the attendance of the prisoner at any further proceedings on his case at which his presence may be required.
(3)Any prisoner discharged under this section shall comply with any conditions stated in the order of temporary discharge, and shall return to prison at the expiration of the period stated in the order, or of such extended period as may be fixed by any subsequent order of the Secretary of State, and if the prisoner fails so to comply or return, he may be arrested without warrant and taken back to prison.
(4)Where a prisoner under sentence is discharged in pursuance of an order of temporary discharge, the currency of the sentence shall be suspended from the day on which he is discharged from prison under the order to the day on which he is received back into prison, so that the former day shall be reckoned and the latter shall not be reckoned as part of the sentence.
(5)Nothing in this section shall affect the duties of the medical officer of a prison in respect of a prisoner whom the Secretary of State does not think fit to discharge under this section.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C20S. 28 excluded (1.9.2001) by 2001 c. 17, s. 42, Sch. 7 para. 3(1) (with s. 78); S.I. 2001/2161, art. 2
Textual Amendments
F31S. 29 repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39), Sch. 5
The Secretary of State may make such payments to or in respect of persons released or about to be released from prison as he may with the consent of the Treasury determine.]
Textual Amendments
F32S. 30 substituted for ss. 30-32 by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), s. 66(3)
(1)The Secretary of State may with the approval of the Treasury alter, enlarge or rebuild any prison and build new prisons.
[F33(2)The Secretary of State may provide new prisons by declaring to be a prison—
(a)any building or part of a building built for the purpose or vested in him or under his control; or
(b)any floating structure or part of such a structure constructed for the purpose or vested in him or under his control.]
(3)A declaration under this section may with respect to the building or part of a building declared to be a prison make the same provisions as an order under the next following section may make with respect to an existing prison.
(4)A declaration under this section may at any time be revoked by the Secretary of State.
(5)A declaration under this section shall not be sufficient to vest the legal estate of any building in the [F34Secretary of State].
Textual Amendments
F33S. 33(2) substituted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 100(1), 172(4)
F34Words substituted by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C21S. 33(2) modified (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 100(2)(3), 172(4)
(1)The transfer under the M7Prison Act 1877 of prisons and of the powers and jurisdiction of prison authorities and of justices in sessions assembled and visiting justices shall not be deemed to have affected the jurisdiction of any sheriff or coroner or, except to the extent of that transfer, of any justice of the peace or other officer.
(2)The Secretary of State may by order direct that, for the purpose of any enactment, rule of law or custom dependent on a prison being the prison of any county or place, any prison situated in that county or in the county in which that place is situated, or any prison provided by him in pursuance of this Act, shall be deemed to be the prison of that county or place.
Marginal Citations
(1)Every prison and all real and personal property belonging to a prison shall be vested in the Secretary of State and may be disposed of in such manner as the Secretary of State, with the consent of the Treasury, may determine.
(2)For the purposes of this section the Secretary of State shall be deemed to be a corporation sole.
(3)Any instrument in connection with the acquisition, management or disposal of any property to which this section applies may be executed on behalf of the Secretary of State by an Under–Secretary of State or any other person authorised by the Secretary of State in that behalf; and any instrument purporting to have been so executed on behalf of the Secretary of State shall be deemed, until the contrary is proved, to have been so executed on his behalf.
(4)The last foregoing subsection shall be without prejudice to the execution of any such instrument as aforesaid, or of any other instrument, on behalf of the Secretary of State in any other manner authorised by law.]
Textual Amendments
F35S. 35 substituted by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C22S. 35 modified (31.10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 87(8); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
C23S. 35(1) modified (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 100(2)(4), 172(4)
(1)[F36The Secretary of State may purchase by agreement or]compulsorily, any land required for the alteration, enlargement or rebuilding of a prison or for establishing a new prison or for any other purpose connected with the management of a prison (including the provision of accommodation for officers or servants employed in a prison).
[F37(2)The [F38M8Acquisition of Land Act 1981] shall apply to the compulsory purchase of land by the Secretary of State under this section . . . F39.]
(3)In relation to the purchase of land by agreement under this section, [F40the provisions of Part I of the M9Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (so far as applicable) other than sections 4 to 8, section 10, and section 31, shall apply].
Textual Amendments
F36Words substituted by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
F37S. 36(2) substituted by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
F38Words substituted by Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (c. 67, SIF 28:1), Sch. 4 para. 1 Table
F39Words repealed by Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (c. 67, SIF 28:1), Sch. 6 Pt. I
F40Words substituted by Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (c. 56), Sch. 6
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C24S. 36 amended (retrospectively) by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 167, Sch. 8 para. 16
C25S. 36 amended by Criminal Justice Act 1972 (c. 71), s. 60
C26S. 36(1): certain functions made exercisable by the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales concurrently with the Secretary of State (20.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/1160, art. 4(1)(2)(c)
Marginal Citations
(1)Subject to the next following subsection, the Secretary of State may by order close any prison.
(2)Where a prison is the only prison in the county, the Secretary of State shall not make an order under this section in respect of it except for special reasons, which shall be stated in the order.
(3)In this section the expression “county” means a county at large.
(4)For the purposes of this and the next following section a prison shall not be deemed to be closed by reason only of its appropriation for use as a remand centre, detention centre or [F41youth custody centre][F42or secure training centre].
Textual Amendments
F41Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 6
F42Words in s. 37(4) inserted (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(2), Sch. 10 para. 8; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Appendix B
Textual Amendments
F43S. 38 repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1972 (c. 71), Sch. 6 Pt. II
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C27Power to apply ss. 39–42 with modifications conferred by Army Act 1955 (c. 18), s. 122(3), Air Force Act 1955 (c. 19), s. 122(3) and Naval Discipline Act 1957 (c. 53), s. 82(3)
Any person who aids any prisoner in escaping or attempting to escape from a prison or who, with intent to facilitate the escape of any prisoner, conveys any thing into a prison or to a prisoner [F44sends any thing (by post or otherwise) into a prison or to a prisoner] or places any thing anywhere outside a prison with a view to its coming into the possession of a prisoner, shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [F45ten years].
Textual Amendments
F44Words in s. 39 inserted (16.5.1992) by Prison Security Act 1992 (c. 25), ss. 2(1)(a)(4), 3(2).
F45Words in s. 39 substituted (16.5.1992) by Prison Security Act 1992 (c. 25), ss. 2(1)(b)(4), 3(2).
Any person who contrary to the regulations of a prison brings or attempts to bring into the prison or to a prisoner any spirituous or fermented liquor or tobacco, or places any such liquor or any tobacco anywhere outside the prison with intent that it shall come into the possession of a prisoner, and any officer who contrary to those regulations allows any such liquor or any tobacco to be sold or used in the prison, shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding [F46level 3 on the standard scale]or both.
Textual Amendments
F46Words substituted (E.W.S.) by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38, 46 and (S.) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289F, 289G
Any person who contrary to the regulations of a prison conveys or attempts to convey any letter or any other thing into or out of the prison or to a prisoner or places it anywhere outside the prison with intent that it shall come into the possession of a prisoner shall, where he is not thereby guilty of an offence under either of the two last preceding sections, be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F47level 3 on the standard scale].
Textual Amendments
F47Words substituted (E.W.S.) by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38, 46 and (S.) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289F, 289G
The Prison Commissioners shall cause to be fixed in a conspicuous place outside every prison a notice of the penalties to which persons committing offences under the three last preceding sections are liable.
(1)The Secretary of State may provide—
(a)remand centres, that is to say places for the detention of persons not less than 14 but under 21 years of age who are remanded or committed in custody for trial or sentence;
[F50(aa)young offender institutions, that is to say places for the detention of offenders sentenced to detention in a young offender institution [F51or to custody for life]];]
[F54(d)secure training centres, that is to say places in which offenders not less than 12 but under 17 years of age in respect of whom secure training orders have been made under section 1 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 may be detained and given training and education and prepared for their release]
(2)The Secretary of State may from time to time direct—
(a)that a woman aged 21 years or over who is serving a sentence of imprisonment or who has been committed to prison for default shall be detained in a remand centre or a youth custody centre instead of a prison:
(b)that a woman aged 21 years or over who is remanded in custody or committed in custody for trial or sentence shall be detained in a remand centre instead of a prison;
(c)that a person under 21 but not less than 17 years of age who is remanded in custody or committed in custody for trial or sentence shall be detained in a prison instead of a remand centre or a remand centre instead of a prison, notwithstanding anything in section 27 of the Criminal Justice Act 1948 or section 23(3) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969.
(3)Notwithstanding subsection (1) above, any person required to be detained in an institution to which this Act applies may be detained in a remand centre for any temporary purpose [F55and a person [F56aged 18 years] or over may be detained in such a centre] for the purpose of providing maintenance and domestic services for that centre.
(4)Sections 5A, 6(2) and (3), 16, 22, 25 and 36 of this Act shall apply to remand centres, detention centres and youth custody centres and to persons detained in them as they apply to prisons and prisoners.]
[F57(4A)Sections 16, 22 and 36 of this Act shall apply to secure training centres and to persons detained in them as they apply to prisons and prisoners.]
(5)The other provisions of this Act preceding this section, except sections 28 and 37(2) above, shall apply to [F58centres of the descriptions specified in subsection (4) above] and to persons detained in them as they apply to prisons and prisoners, but subject to such adaptation and modifications as may be specified in rules made by the Secretary of State.
[F59(5A)The other provisions of this Act preceding this section, except sections 5, 5A, 6(2) and (3), 12, 14, 19, 25, 28 and 37(2) and (3) above, shall apply to secure training centres and to persons detained in them as they apply to prisons and prisoners, but subject to such adaptations and modifications as may be specified in rules made by the Secretary of State.]
(6)References in the preceding provisions of this Act to imprisonment shall, so far as those provisions apply to institutions provided under this section, be construed as including references to detention in those institutions.
(7)Nothing in this section shall be taken to prejudice the operation of section 12 of the Criminal Justice Act 1982.
Textual Amendments
F48S. 43(1)(aa) inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 170, Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch. 15 para. 11
F49S. 43 substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 11
F50S. 43(1)(aa) inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 170, Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch. 15 para. 11
F51Words in s. 43(1)(aa) inserted (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 18(3); S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F52S. 43(1)(b)(c) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 170, Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch. 16
F53Word in s. 43(1) repealed (1.3.1998) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(3), Sch. 11; S.I. 1998/277, art. 3(3)
F54S. 43(1)(d) inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 5(2), 172(4)
F55Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 170, Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch. 15 para. 12
F56Words in s. 43(3) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 68, Sch. 8 para. 2; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2
F57S. 43(4A) inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 5(3), 172(4)
F58Words in s. 43(5) substituted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 5(4), 172(4)
F59S. 43(5A) inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 5(5), 172(4)
Textual Amendments
(1)The Secretary of State may make rules for the regulation and management of prisons, remand centres [F61, young offender institutions or secure training centres], and for the classification, treatment, employment, discipline and control of persons required to be detained therein.
(2)Rules made under this section shall make provision for ensuring that a person who is charged with any offence under the rules shall be given a proper opportunity of presenting his case.
(3)Rules made under this section may provide for the training of particular classes of persons and their allocation for that purpose to any prison or other institution in which they may lawfully be detained.
(4)Rules made under this section shall provide for the special treatment of the following persons whilst required to be detained in a prison, that is to say—
(a)—(c) . . . F62
(d)any . . . F63 person detained in a prison, not being a person serving a sentence or a person imprisoned in default of payment of a sum adjudged to be paid by him on his conviction [F64or a person committed to custody on his conviction].
[F65(4A)Rules made under this section shall provide for the inspection of secure training centres and the appointment of independent persons to visit secure training centres and to whom representations may be made by offenders detained in secure training centres.]
(5)Rules made under this section may provide for the temporary release of persons [F66detained in a prison, remand centre [F67, young offender institution or secure training centre] not being persons committed in custody for trial [F68before the Crown Court]or committed to be sentenced or otherwise dealt with by [F68the Crown Court]or remanded in custody by any court.]
Textual Amendments
F61Words in s. 47(1) substituted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 6(2), 172(4)
F62S. 47(4)(a)–(c) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), Sch. 7 Pt. I
F63Word repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), Sch. 7 Pt. I
F64Words added by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), s. 66(5)
F65S. 47(4A) inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 6(3), 172(4)
F66Word substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39), Sch. 4
F67Words in s. 47(5) substituted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 6(4), 172(4)
F68Words substituted by Courts Act 1971 (c. 23), Sch. 8 para. 33
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C28S. 47 amended by Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39), s. 23(2) and Courts–Martial (Appeals) Act 1968 (c. 20), s. 52
C29S. 47 extended by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 13(5), Sch. 17 para. 9
C30S. 47 amended by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 123, Sch. 8 paras. 14, 16
Textual Amendments
F69S. 48 repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39), Sch. 5
(1)Any person who, having been sentenced to imprisonment, . . . F70[F71custody for life or youth custody]or ordered to be detained in a detention centre [F72or a young offenders institution][F73or a secure training centre], or having been committed to a prison or remand centre, is unlawfully at large, may be arrested by a constable without warrant and taken to the place in which he is required in accordance with law to be detained.
(2)Where any person sentenced to imprisonment, . . . F70 or [F74youth custody], or ordered to be detained in a [F75young offenders institution or in a secure training centre] is unlawfully at large at any time during the period for which he is liable to be detained in pursuance of the sentence or order, then, unless the Secretary of State otherwise directs, no account shall be taken, in calculating the period for which he is liable to be so detained, of any time during which he is absent from the [F76place in which he is required in accordance with law to be detained]:
Provided that—
(a)this subsection shall not apply to any period during which any such person as aforesaid is detained in pursuance of the sentence or order or in pursuance of any other sentence of any court [F77in the United Kingdom]in a prison [F78 remand centre, young offenders institution or secure training centre;]
(b)F79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(c) . . . F80
(3)The provisions of the last preceding subsection shall apply to a person who is detained in custody in default of payment of any sum of money as if he were sentenced to imprisonment.
(4)For the purposes of this section a person who, after being temporarily released in pursuance of rules made under subsection (5) of section forty–seven of this Act, is at large at any time during the period for which he is liable to be detained in pursuance of his sentence shall be deemed to be unlawfully at large if the period for which he was temporarily released has expired or if an order recalling him has been made by the [F81Secretary of State]in pursuance of the rules.
Textual Amendments
F70Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), Sch. 7 Pt. I
F71Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 8(a)
F72Words inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 87(a)
F73Words in s. 49(1) inserted (1.3.1998) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(2), Sch. 10 para. 9(2); S.I. 1998/277, art. 2(2)
F74Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 8(b)(i)
F75Words in s. 49(2) substituted (1.3.1998) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(2), Sch. 10 para. 9(3); S.I. 1998/277, art. 2(2)
F76Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 8(b)(ii)
F77Words inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39), Sch. 4
F78Words in proviso (a) to s. 49(2) substituted (1.3.1998) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(2), Sch. 10 para. 9(4); S.I. 1998/277, art. 2(2)
F79S. 49(2)(b) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16
F80S. 49(2) proviso (c) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39), Sch. 5
F81Words substituted by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C32S. 49 excluded by Naval Discipline Act 1957 (c. 53), s. 88(4); amended by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), s. 69(2)
C33S. 49 applied (5.9.1995) by 1995 c. 16, s. 1(5)(6); S.I. 1995/2021, art. 2
C34S. 49(1) extended by Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39), s. 30(1)(2)
C35S. 49(1) extended (U.K, Channel Islands) (1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 43, s. 41, Sch. 1 Pt. III para. 17(1)(a); S.I. 1997/2200, art. 2(1)(g) (with art. 5)
C36S. 49(2) amended by Mental Health Act 1959 (c. 72), s. 75(4)
C37S. 49(2) amended by Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20, SIF 85), s. 50(4)
C38Proviso (a) to s. 49(2) amended (1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 43, s. 41, Sch. 1 Pt. III para. 17(6)(a); S.I. 1997/2200, art. 2(1)(g) (with art. 5)
Subsection (1) of section eighteen of this Act shall apply to attendance centres as it applies to prisons . . . F82
Textual Amendments
F82Words repealed by Children and Young Persons Act 1969 (c. 54), Sch. 6
All expenses incurred in the maintenance of prisons and in the maintenance of prisoners and all other expenses of the Secretary of State . . . F83 incurred under this Act shall be defrayed out of moneys provided by Parliament.
Textual Amendments
F83Words repealed by S.I. 1963/597, Sch. 1
(1)Any power of the Secretary of State to make rules or regulations under this Act and the power of the Secretary of State to make an order under section thirty–four or section thirty–seven of this Act shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.
(2)Any statutory instrument containing regulations made under section sixteen or an order made under section thirty–seven of this Act, . . . F84 shall be laid before Parliament.
(3)The power of the Secretary of State to make an order under section six or section thirty–four of this Act shall include power to revoke or vary such an order.
Textual Amendments
F84Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), Sch. 7 Pt. I
(1)In this Act the following expressions have the following meanings:—
“Attendance centre” means a centre provided by the Secretary of State under [F85section 16 of the M10Criminal Justice Act 1982];
“Prison” does not include a naval, military or air force prison;
. . . F86
(2)For the purposes of this Act the maintenance of a prisoner shall include all necessary expenses incurred in respect of the prisoner for food, clothing, custody and removal from one place to another, from the period of his committal to prison until his death or discharge from prison.
(3)References in this Act to the Church of England shall be construed as including references to the Church in Wales.
(4)References in this Act to any enactment shall be construed as references to that enactment as amended by any other enactment.
Textual Amendments
F85Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 9
F86Definition of “Remand home” repealed by Children and Young Persons Act 1969 (c. 54), Sch. 6
Marginal Citations
M101982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1)
F87(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F88
(3)Nothing in this repeal shall affect any rule, order, regulation or declaration made, direction or certificate given or thing done under any enactment repealed by this Act and every such rule, order, regulation, direction, certificate or thing shall, if in force at the commencement of this Act, continue in force and be deemed to have been made, given or done under the corresponding provision of this Act.
(4)Any document referring to any Act or enactment repealed by this Act shall be construed as referring to this Act or to the corresponding enactment in this Act.
(5)The mention of particular matters in this section shall not be taken to affect the general application to this Act of section thirty–eight of the M11Interpretation Act 1889 (which relates to the effect of repeals).
Textual Amendments
F87S. 54(1) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I Group1
F88S. 54(2) repealed by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1974 (c. 22), Sch. Pt. XI
Marginal Citations
(1)This Act may be cited as the Prison Act 1952.
(2)This Act shall come into operation on the first day of October, nineteen hundred and fifty–two.
F89(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(4)Except as provided in F90. . . [F91the M12Criminal Justice Act 1961], this Act shall not extend to Scotland.
(5)This Act shall not extend to Northern Ireland.
Textual Amendments
F89S. 55(3) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I Group 1
F90Words in s. 55(4) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I Group 1
F91Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39), s. 41(3), Sch. 4
Marginal Citations
Textual Amendments
F92Schs. 1, 2 repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39), Sch. 5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F93Sch. 3 repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I Group 1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F94Sch. 4 repealed by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1974 (c. 22), Sch. Pt. XI
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