§ 2. Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his decision in the case of Ken Murray, senior officer at Low Moss prison, further to Mr. Murray's appeal against the caution which he received following his address to the Scottish Young Liberals' conference on 29 January.
§ Mr. YoungerMr. Murray twice requested an extension of the period of time allocated for the lodging of the details of his appeal against his governor's award of a caution. The appeal, which has now been received, is receiving careful consideration and it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage. I shall write to the right hon. Gentleman when I have reached my decision.
§ Mr. SteelIs the Secretary of State aware, first, that this officer had received permission from his superiors to address the conference, and, secondly, that what he said in criticism of the Scottish prison system was not substantially different from the criticism contained in various reports from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons? Will he therefore encourage open debate on the future of our prison system?
§ Mr. YoungerI can reassure the right hon. Gentleman that Officer Murray did ask for permission before making this speech, but the right hon. Gentleman will not expect me to comment on the merits of the case, as it will come before me on appeal.