§ 17. Mr. Hugh Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set up a inquiry to establish the extent of overcrowding in Scottish prisons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangThe measures which my Department will be taking to achieve a better balance between adult and young offender accommodation, together with the additional 468 places which will become available following the opening of phase II of Shotts prison this summer, should largely eliminate overcrowding, provided that there is no significant increase in the inmate population or loss of accommodation.
My right hon. and learned Friend therefore sees no need to set up an inquiry.