Where it appears desirable, for the maintenance of good order or discipline or in his own interests, that a prisoner should not associate with other prisoners, either generally or for particular purposes, the governor may arrange for the prisoner’s removal from association F2for up to 72 hours.

Removal for more than 72 hours may be authorised by the governor in writing who may authorise a further period of removal of up to 14 days.

Such authority may be renewed for subsequent periods of up to 14 days.

But the governor must obtain leave from the Secretary of State in writing to authorise removal under paragraph (2A) where the period in total amounts to more than 42 days starting with the date the prisoner was removed under paragraph (1).

The Secretary of State may only grant leave for a maximum period of 42 days, but such leave may be renewed for subsequent periods of up to 42 days by the Secretary of State.

The governor may arrange at his discretion for a prisoner removed under this rule to resume association with other prisoners at any timeF3....

In giving authority under paragraphs (2) and (2A) and in exercising the discretion under paragraph (3), the governor must fully consider any recommendation that the prisoner resumes association on medical grounds made by a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse working within the prison.

This rule shall not apply to a prisoner the subject of a direction given under rule 46(1).