HC Deb 11 July 1983 vol 45 c266W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to control the illegal use of drugs by prisoners in Her Majesty's prisons in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ancram

Staff at penal establishments exercise constant vigilance to prevent and detect the entry of illegal drugs. A variety of steps are taken to this end, the most common being the searching of cells, the opening and searching of gifts brought by visitors, and the searching of inmates after open visits. I have no evidence that significant numbers of inmates are obtaining illegal drugs.