The Prison Officers Association claims an unannounced visit by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons found single cells were often being shared by two inmates and in some cases beds had been placed in the toilet areas to get three in.

The union, which represents prison officers and staff, said the inspection had "raised some serious ares of concern".

It claims the inspection found a deterioration in healthcare provision and an increase in violence and the number of prisoners self harming while behind bars.

Colin Moses, National Chairman of the POA, said the Minstry of Justice needed to look at the findings of the report into the privately-run prison.

"The use of private prisons is simply wrong. Clearly, profit is being put before prisoner welfare, staff, prisoner and public safety alike and the practice of trebling in a cell for one is disgraceful," he said.

"The Ministry of Justice must take a serious look at this report and consider whether private prisons are fit for purpose.

"Prisons should not be run for profit, but for the public good. New Labour should abandon its plans for further privatisation."

Brian Caton, the POA's General Secretary, said: "The deterioration in the provision of healthcare and suicide prevention policies is disgraceful.

"This union has and will continue to campaign for the removal of the private sector from our prisons.

"Public prisons should be operated by public servants and the Government should be ashamed that the private sector can drive down the cost of public sector workers without any thought to decency."

No-one from Doncaster Prison was available for comment.

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