§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to the provision of additional secure accommodation in Scottish prisons or to alterations in existing secure accommodation for violent prisoners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harry EwingI undertook yesterday that my Department should enter into discussions with the Scottish Prison Officers' Association and consider its views on possible additional units in the prison system, which it is possible might include additional secure accommodation. Otherwise, there are no current plans, except the possibility of a new cell-divider in the unit at Inverness prison.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider the appointment of a committee of suitably qualified persons with experience of 759W the operation of prisons to make decisions on the detention of violent prisoners in secure accommodation units.
§ Mr. Harry EwingAt a meeting with the Scottish Prison Officers' Association yesterday I undertook to pursue, in consultation with the governors, the association's proposal for the establishment of a standing body for this purpose.