§ Lord McCluskeyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What would be the estimated numerical effect upon the average daily prison population in Scotland if the periods of remission of one-third to one-half specified in Section 1 of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993 were reduced to 15 per cent. as suggested by the Secretary of State for Scotland in October 1995; and
(i) What would be the estimated numerical effect upon the average daily prison population in Scotland if the periods of remission of one-third to one-half specified in Section 1 of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993 were reduced to 15 per cent. (if earned by good behaviour), and (ii) what the additional capital costs and additional annual running costs would be if the said periods of remission were to be replaced by a period of remission of 15 per cent. (if earned by good behaviour).
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Scottish Office (The Earl of Lindsay):The Government will be consulting soon on our proposals for changes to the early release arrangements for prisoners in Scotland. In the light of consultation, the Government will publish a White Paper in the course of 36WA next year. An assessment of the effects of the proposals upon prisons is one of the matters I expect to be included in that paper.