50. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the number of prisoners who can be housed in acceptable conditions of comfort and security in Scottish prisons, bearing in mind the existing shortage of prison staff; and how many were actually imprisoned in Scotland at the most recent date for which figures are available.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. William Ross)On the basis of one prisoner per cell and proper use of dormitory accommodation, the normal capacity of Scottish prisons is 2,200 men and 100 women. On 11th April they held 2,750 men and 85 women.
Mr. TaylorDoes not this reveal a desperate position? Apart from long-term plans, would the right hon. Gentleman say what he is going to do to solve the short-term problems in Barlinnie and other grossly overcrowded prisons?
§ Mr. RossThe hon. Gentleman will appreciate that, to have overcome this problem and to have built new prisons, a decision would have had to be taken quite a long time ago. However, we are getting on well and are making considerable improvements. The point that may be worrying the hon. Gentleman is the recruitment of prison officers; and he may be interested to know that last year was one of the best we have had for a long time in this respect.