§ 15. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the discontent among prisoners in Peterhead Prison, of which he has been informed; if he will state the practice and procedure applicable to the case of a prisoner there who is dissatisfied with the finding of a disciplinary committee and with the report of a visiting committee; and what right and opportunity such a prisoner has for recourse, by way of appeal or otherwise, to an outside independent tribunal.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John Maclay)I have no reason to believe that there is general discontent among the prisoners at Peterhead.
A prisoner who is dissatisfied with a disciplinary award made by the Governor or the Visiting Committee, which is an independent body, may appeal by petition to the Secretary of State, who can remit or mitigate his punishment.
§ Mr. HughesHow can the right hon. Gentleman say that there is no widespread discontent, having regard to the large numbers of letters which I have sent to him from various prisoners? Does he realise that this situation is undermining confidence in the administration of the law in Scotland? Why is the right hon. Gentleman averse to holding a public inquiry to ascertain the facts?
§ Mr. MaclayI have examined very carefully all the cases sent to me by the hon. and learned Member and I do not think that he can maintain that there is any evidence of widespread discontent at Peterhead Prison.