To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what costs were incurred due to vandalism in young offender institutions in (a) 2005 and (b) 2006. (172725)

The costs of vandalism in the 34 young offender institutions is held at each establishment and forms part of the overall maintenance costs. This information is not held centrally and could be gathered only at disproportionate cost within the given time scale.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps his Department takes to ensure the safety of staff within young offender institutions when dealing with disruptive behaviour by inmates. (172726)

Staff are trained in a number of techniques to effectively and safely manage violent or refractory young prisoners. These techniques include the use of de-escalation and interpersonal/communication skills, personal safety techniques and as a last resort control and restraint. The procedures for use of control and restraint are laid out in Prison Service Order 1600.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether there is a uniform application of “lights out” policies across all young offender institutions. (172727)

There is no uniform “lights out” policy for young offender institutions. This is a local operational matter for the governor to decide.