§ 67. Mr. MATHERSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, as the pay and conditions of service of the prison staff were generally assimilated with those obtaining in England, he will say why the mackintosh supply is refused to the Scottish prison staff?
Mr. WEDDERBURNThe pay and conditions of service of Scottish prison 1509 officers are generally assimilated to those obtaining in England, but differences in circumstances in certain respects require to be taken into account. While in England it is understood that the officers' quarters are in many cases at a distance from the prison, practically every warder in Scotland is provided with official quarters adjacent to the prison. In these circumstances the requirements are met by maintaining an adequate supply of waterproof cloaks at each prison for issue at times when they are required and a routine issue of waterproof cloaks to each warder would not appear to be necessary. Every warder is provided with a uniform great coat.
§ Mr. MATHERSMay I ask the hon. Member to keep in mind that any differentiation between Scotland and England which is to the detriment of Scotland, is a form of Home Rule that we do not want?
§ Mr. STEPHENWas this decision come to on the ground that there was less rain in Scotland than in England?