§ Mr. Ron Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether Special Air Service personnel were used to quell recent riots in Scottish prisons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonIt would be inappropriate, for security and operational reasons, to comment on the way in which the recent incidents were resolved or on the contingency plans for dealing with such incidents.
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§ Dr. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he proposes to investigate the recent outbreaks of violence at Shotts prison, Motherwell, North constituency;
(2) if there is to be a Government inquiry into the causes of recent outbreaks of violence in Scottish prisons.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe incident at Shotts prison, from 26 September to 27 September, is the subject of investigation by the police and procurator fiscal and may be the subject of criminal proceedings. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the nature or possible outcome of these investigations, or any criminal proceedings which might result. The implications of the recent incidents in Scottish prisons are at present being assessed by my right hon. and learned Friend.
§ Mr. Dunnachieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if there is to be a Government inquiry into the causes of recent outbreaks of violence in Scottish prisons.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe implications of the recent incidents in Scottish prisons are at present being assessed by my right hon. and learned Friend.