HC Deb 21 December 1966 vol 738 cc1414-5
43. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in what ways the new segregation unit being built at Inverness Prison will differ from the old segregation unit at Peterhead started in 1951; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Willis

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answer which I gave to him on 9th March.—[Vol. 725, c. 521.]

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

Is the Minister of State aware that all of us on this side wish him well, particularly at Christmas time, and hope that there will be no Christmas escapes from Scottish prisons in the way they seem to be so easily occurring south of the Border at present? Is he aware that the segregation unit at Peterhead was developed in 1951 and was a very great success, in spite of opposition to it, and that one essential feature of the segregation unit now being established at Inverness must be an awareness in the prison population of the disadvantages and the punishment nature of the centre?

Mr. Willis

The segregation unit at Peterhead served its purpose, but the purpose at Inverness is rather different. We also think that the establishment at Inverness will avoid some of the problems that a rose at Peterhead.