§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will clearly define the Scottish prison officer's responsibilities and job description for each particular task; and if he will publish this in theOfficial Report;
(2) when he intends to set up a joint committee of the Scottish prison officers, social workers and employing authorities to discuss the role of prison officers, as recommended by the working party report which was set up by him in the light of the committee of inquiry into the United Kingdom prison services, Cmnd. 7673; and if he will make a statement;
(3) when he proposes to implement the recommendations of the working party on the role of Scottish prison officers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramThe working party's report, which recommended an enhanced role for the prison officer, is at an advanced stage of consideration by officials and will thereafter be considered by Ministers. Once a decision on its recommendations has been made consideration will be given, in consultation with interested groups, to the question of definition of responsibilities and job descriptions.