Minister ‘agreed to criminal fathering child behind bars’

Mr Blunt’s role in the fresh controversy over prisoners’ rights was reported after Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke insisted he had not personally seen or authorised the artificial insemination request that attracted a storm of criticism.

Officials had initially suggested the go-ahead for artificial insemination of a criminal’s partner required the “reasoned” approval of the Secretary of State.

It is now believed that Mr Blunt, who has previously been reprimanded by Number 10 for suggesting prisoners could be allowed to hold parties in jails, approved the decision.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) did not comment.

A review has been ordered of the decision which the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said had “not been dealt with in the way it should have been”.

It remains unclear whether the “treatment” is being funded by the taxpayer.

Confirmation an unnamed prisoner had been granted the right to treatment was obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.

Another five applications are still to be considered, it is understood.

Mr Clarke said: “I have never personally authorised a request of this kind nor heard of the case until this morning. I am asking for the circumstances to be investigated and reported back to me.”

An MoJ spokesman said prisoners had been able to apply for artificial insemination while behind bars since 1965 and the process was not based on the Human Rights Act.