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<p>The latest figures for assaults on prisoners and on prison staff can be seen in
the Safety in Custody summary tables at:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/safety-in-custody-quarterly-update-to-june-2018"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/safety-in-custody-quarterly-update-to-june-2018</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>While we collect details of the injuries sustained, I regret that it will not
be possible in the time available to separate those sustained by prisoners from those
sustained by staff. I will write to the Hon Member as soon as the more detailed figures
become available.</p><p> </p><p>To improve safety, we have recruited 4,300 new prison
officers over the last two years, with 1,400 more due to begin training soon. We are
investing an extra £70 million to improve safety, security and decency, and we are
equipping officers with PAVA incapacitant spray to help prevent serious harm to staff
and prisoners when dealing with violent incidents. We are also tackling the drugs
that we know are fuelling much of the violence in custody. This includes spending
on new x-ray scanners, drug-detection dogs, phone-blocking technology and dedicated
search teams.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, the Government supported the recent Assaults
on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act, which increases sentences for those who attack
emergency workers, including prison officers.</p>
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