§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the right of prison officers to purchase their present living quarters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartAs part of our policy of encouraging home ownership, a scheme was introduced in July 1981 whereby a number of staff in the Scottish prison service at certain establishments were given the opportunity of buying their quarters on discounted terms similar to those available to tenants of public sector houses under the terms of the Tenants' Rights, Etc. (Scotland) Act 1980. Limits were placed on the numbers of quarters declared as available for disposal at certain establishments, and at other establishments no quarters were made available.
Since the introduction of the scheme in July 1981 I have received a number of representations from members of staff in the Scottish prison service requesting that the scheme be extended by the removal of the restrictions. I discussed the matter with representatives of the Scottish Prison Officers' Association and the governors committee on 6 December.
We have decided that it is no longer necessary to set limits to the number of official quarters available for sale to staff. All occupied quarters at all Scotland's establishments will be made available for purchase by staff of the Scottish prison service. The only exception will be certain houses which have been identified as a security risk if sold or which require to be retained against possible prison service building developments in the area.