§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will amend the appropriate regulations in order to permit prison officers to make constructive criticism of the Scottish penal system, without running the risk of disciplinary action being taken against them.
§ Mr. Allan StewartNo regulations exists which has the effect implied in the hon. Member's question. Subject to the rules and guidelines which prison officers are bound to observe (including the requirement to obtain permission where that is applicable) they are free to advocate in public how, in their view, the prison service and the penal system might be improved.