§ 20. Mr. Wylieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent disciplinary procedure is precluded by the prison rules when a report has been made to the procurator fiscal; and if he will have the rules amended.
§ Mr. WillisUnder the prison rules the governor is required to investigate any reported offence against discipline by a prisoner not later than the following day, and this time limit has given rise to some difficulties in cases which have been reported to the procurator fiscal. I am advised, however, that the requirement of the rules would be met by a preliminary investigation which need not interfere with police action, and governors are being instructed to adopt this procedure in appropriate cases in future.
§ Mr. WylieI am obliged for that reply. The hon. Gentleman is aware that the prison service has been concerned about what appears to be a hiatus between inquiries by the prison authorities and proceedings by the procurator fiscal?
§ Mr. WillisThe case that the hon. and learned Gentleman has in mind arose as a result of a request from the prison officers in Peterhead. We are aware of the difficulties, and they are being put right.