§ Mr. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for reducing the prison population in Scotland.
§ Mr. Harry EwingThe great bulk of the prison population at any time consists of convicted prisoners for whom the court has decided that a direct sentence of detention is the only appropriate penalty; and this order must be implemented. But subect to the limitations on public expenditure, my right hon. Friend is considering whether any further measures can be taken to avoid unnecessary detention, particularly in the areas of remand in custody and imprisonment in default of payment of a fine.