§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take on the reports from the six working parties which he set up arising out of the May report on the prisons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramThe reports have all been under consideration by my Department following consultation with the prison staff associations. They cover a very wide range of matters ranging from objectives and regimes to staff roles and training. A number of recommendations have already been implemented but others have wide implications which require further consideration in relation to resources and other matters. Progress will be made as quickly as is reasonable in terms of these considerations.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when the full-time training officers will be appointed to each of the Scottish prisons as recommended in the May report; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when it is proposed to commence staff training schemes at each individual prison in Scotland.
§ Mr. AncramThere are already staff training officers at each of the Scottish penal establishments and local training is carried out through these officers. My Department has, however, recently invited the Governors of establishments to submit proposals for the further development of local training and, in this context, to consider whether their staff training officer might, with advantage, be deployed on a full-time basis. Decisions will be taken in the light of the proposals received.