A report on the island’s prison system carried out by a British consultant has been reviewed by the Government — but the Minister of National Security has said the report will not be made public “at this stage”.

A spokeswoman for the ministry said that Wayne Caines wanted to carry out “some improvements as indicated in the report” as soon as possible.

But she added: “At this stage, the report will not be publicly issued.”

Mr Caines did not respond to a request for comment on when the report might be released.

The report has also been seen by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and John Rankin, the Governor.

The inspection was carried out by Keith Munns, a British consultant, in September and included the troubled Westgate prison, where staff have complained about a string of health and safety problems.

Timothy Seon, the chairman of the Prison Officers Association, said that he had still to see the report.

Mr Seon said: “The report has been given to the heads of the department and in the ministry.

“My understanding is that the POA will be getting the report after they have reviewed it.

“All parties should have an opportunity to review it and have consultation with one another to see the direction moving forward on those recommendations.”

Mr Seon added: “Because we are a public service, I think that the report should be made public so that people can move forward and be more knowledgeable about the service.

“The Public Bodies Reform Act speaks of transparency and efficiency, so if we are going to live to the spirit of that document then the report should be released to the public.

“I was told once the heads of departments have reviewed it they will then allow the POA to have a look at it and then we will sit down and have our talks.”

Mr Munns worked in the UK prison service for 42 years and is a former governor of HMP Albany in the Isle of Wight and HMP Wormwood Scrubs in London.

His role is to make sure that the prison systems in the Overseas Territories are in line with UK standards.

He was called in to examine the operation of the island’s prison service, which also includes the St George’s Co-Educational Facility and the Prison Farm.

The POA has raised concerns about Westgate, including problems with health and safety related to inadequate staffing, mould infestation, structural fears and burst pipes.

Prison officers marched on the House of Assembly in June in a protest over pay and working conditions.

Mr Munns said that he could not discuss findings of his report “at this stage”.

But he added: “Everyone I met in the three correctional facilities was very honest and open in their discussions on the operation of the facilities.”