§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is his policy that the prison regime in Scotland should be, so far as is possible, similar to that in England and Wales; if any comparisons are made between the two regimes; and, if so, if he is able to indicate where the regime in Scotland differs.
§ Mr. RifkindThe prison systems in Scotland and in England and Wales are wholly independent of each other and are subject to separate legislation; there is no seeking after uniformity for its own sake and different innovations have been made from time to time on either side of the border; but regimes are broadly similar and there is close co-operation in the development of policy on the treatment and training of inmates.