§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to close Cornton Vale prison and disperse its prisoners to local, mixed prisons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 9 March 1994]: Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Scottish Prison Service under its chief executive, Mr. E. W. Frizzell. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from E. W. Frizzell to Dr. Norman Godman, dated 11 March 1994:
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton has asked me to reply to your Question about what plans there are to close Cornton Vale Prison and disperse its prisoners to local, mixed prisons.
There are no plans to close Cornton Vale Prison nor to disperse its prisoners to local, mixed prisons. Some consideration has been given to the possibility of providing open prison opportunities for women prisoners elsewhere but the practical difficulties are such that it is not in prospect at present.