§ 69. Mr. Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidelines he follows about informing the public of the escape of a potentially dangerous criminal from prison; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellIt is the normal practice for the principal newspapers and broadcasting organisations in Scotland to be informed as quickly as is practicable of all prison escapes and abscondings. I regret that, through a misinterpretation of standing instructions, this was not done in a recent case where a prisoner, on training for freedom, failed to return to Edinburgh Prison at the due time. There was, however, no delay in informing the police; normal procedures were implemented immediately. This person, who has not yet been traced, had 145W been undertaking training for freedom. Only those who are not considered potentially dangerous are selected for such training.