§ 10. Mr. John Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will expand the programme of vocational training for adult prisoners in Scotland so that more than the 36 adult prisoners presently receiving such training can participate.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithAn expanded and more varied programme of training of all kinds will be provided as suitable facilities become available in the course of the development of the prison building programme.
§ Mr. SmithDoes not the Minister agree that it is a disgraceful comment on our community that only 36 out of all the adult prisoners in Scottish prisons are currently receiving vocational training? Is not one of the most important objectives of his Department to increase that number many times to bring it to a level acceptable to a civilised nation?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI appreciate the hon. Gentleman's interest in this subject but he must see it in perspective. Vocational training is not the only training that is done in prisons; there is also general training. The hon. Gentleman must remember that we run into considerable difficulty with vocational training in getting general acceptance by the trade unions of those who have been trained.