§ Mr. BARNESasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that during the past eighteen months numerous concessions have been made to the officers engaged in the prison service of England and Wales; that in the circular dated 29th February, 1912, issued by His Majesty's Prison Commissioners, still further alterations and improvements in their conditions of service are announced, including shorter hours and the abolition of night patrol duty by the permanent staff; will he take steps to have similar privileges granted to the prison service in Scotland; and will he consider the question of an increase of pay, in view of the advance in prices of food commodities during recent years?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI am aware that alterations have recently been made in the conditions of service under the English Prison Commissioners. The case of the Scottish prison service has also been receiving attention, with the result that provision has been made for a general reduction of warders' hours to an average of nine per diem, to take effect after 1st April as soon as the necessary extra staff can be appointed. Warders' pay was increased in 1910, and no further general increase is proposed.