INMATES in Welsh prisons will be allowed to smoke in their cells under plans approved by AMs.

Although smoking in enclosed public places, including prisons, has been illegal in Wales since 2007, a number of court rulings have allowed inmates to smoke in their cells.

Now AMs have voted to approve draft plans to exempt designated rooms from the law until April 2017.

Describing smoking as “an integral part of prison life”, a report presented to the Assembly said around 80 per cent of prisoners smoke, with many using it to cope with stress, in comparison with 20 per cent of the general population.

“Smoking is reported to be a coping strategy to manage stressful situations such as imprisonment, transfers, court appearances, sanctions and prison visits, and help to alleviate boredom,” it read.

“Given the high prevalence of smoking, it is thought that prisoners also smoke for social reasons, as being a non-smoker in such a high prevalence population could be socially isolating.”

Speaking in the Senedd earlier today, when the policy was approved unanimously, health minister Mark Drakeford said: “I agree entirely with this policy, but I recognise it is a policy that has to be put in place carefully.

“The government has a duty to protect those who live and work in prisons from second hand smoke but it also has a duty to ensure it is managed safely.”

Inmates will only be allowed to smoke as long as the room is enclosed, clearly marked and does not have a ventilation system leading to another part of the prison.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "This does not affect our plans for smoke-free prisons.

"As we announced last year, all prisons in Wales will be smoke-free by this summer, subject to a series of assessments and tests to ensure it is implemented in a safe and decent way.

"Additionally, the new prison in north Wales will open as a smoke free prison."