HC Deb 13 December 1906 vol 167 c688
MR. WATT (Glasgow College)

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the sum of £33,800 is to be spent on a new prison in Scotland though there is large spare accommodation in Perth and other prisons; and whether, in the interests of frugality, he will consider the advisability of utilising this sum as an instalment towards new barracks for housing the Scots Greys.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I am aware that this sum is given as the estimated cost of the new prison at Greenock. It is the case that the accommodation in Perth prison is not fully occupied, but the constant removal of prisoners for considerable distances is attended with serious public inconvenience, and therefore this new accommodation is required. Let me add that I should think there can be no question in any circumstances of permanently housing the Scots Greys in Scotland. That regiment has only had ten turns of two years and under of service in Scotland during the last hundred years.