An offender sentenced to custody for life is to be detained in a young offender institution unless a direction under subsection (2) is in force in relation to the offender.

This is subject to section 22(2)(b) of the Prison Act 1952 (removal to hospital etc).

The Secretary of State may from time to time direct that an offender sentenced to custody for life is to be detained in a prison instead of a young offender institution.