The Prison (Amendment) Rules 1996

1.  For rule 27 (Daily exercise) there shall be substituted the following rules—

“Physical education

27.— (1) If circumstances reasonably permit, a prisoner aged 21 years or over shall be given the opportunity to participate in physical education for at least one hour a week.

(2) The following provisions shall apply, to the extent circumstances reasonably permit, to a prisoner who is under 21 years of age—

(a) provision shall be made for the physical education of such a prisoner within the normal working week, as well as evening and weekend physical recreation; the physical education activities shall be such as will foster personal responsibility and the prisoner’s interests and skills and encourage him to make good use of his leisure on release; and

(b) arrangements shall be made for each such prisoner who is a convicted prisoner to participate in physical education for at least two hours a week on average.

(3) In the case of a prisoner with a need for remedial physical activity, appropriate facilities shall be provided.

(4) The medical officer shall decide upon the fitness of every prisoner for physical education and remedial physical activity and may excuse a prisoner from, or modify, any such education or activity on medical grounds.

Time in the open air

27A.   If the weather permits and subject to the need to maintain good order and discipline, a prisoner shall be given the opportunity to spend time in the open air at least once every day, for such period as may be reasonable in the circumstances.”.