HC Deb 15 December 1969 vol 793 cc241-2W
Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of prisoners in Scotland at the time of the passing of the Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty) Act, 1965; and what is the number today.

Mr. Ross

2,440 and 3,122.

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the ratio between the number of prison officers and the number of prisoners which complies with the criteria for efficiency; and what is the ratio in the special security prisons.

Mr. Ross

The appropriate ratio will vary according to the circumstances of each establishment; but I should like to see an improvement in the present average ratio of 1 to 2.8.

There is no special security prison in Scotland.