§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the draft of the proposed new rule 5 of the Prison (Scotland) Rules.
§ Mr. AncramThe question whether rule 5 of the Prison (Scotland) Rules 1952 should be amended has been under consideration by my officials, who have consulted the prison staff associations, in the context of a recommendation made by the committee of inquiry into the United Kingdom prison services — the May committee. My right hon. Friend has, as yet, come to no final view about an amendment to the rule. When he has, any change would be made in a statutory instrument which would be laid in draft before Parliament. It would be premature to publish, at this stage, any proposals for a new rule 5 that are under consideration.