HC Deb 16 July 1986 vol 101 cc514-6W
Mr. McTaggart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many self-inflicted deaths there have been in Scottish prisons since 1979, showing, (a) their location, (b) the numbers under 21 years of age and (c) the numbers of remand prisoners.

Mr. John MacKay

There have been 32 self-inflicted deaths in penal establishments in Scotland since 1979.

(a) the locations are as follows:

1979(3)

  • Aberdeen Prison
  • Barlinnie Prison
  • Edinburgh Prison

1980(1)

  • Barlinnie Prison

1981(3)

  • Polmont Borstal Institution
  • Perth Prison
  • Edinburgh Prison

1982(3)

  • Glenochil Young Offenders Institution (2)
  • Dumfries Young Offenders Institution

1983(6)

  • Peterhead Prison
  • Longriggend Remand Institution
  • Barlinnie Prison (2)
  • Edinburgh Prison
  • Glenochil Young Offenders Institution

1984(5)

  • Barlinnie Prison (3)
  • Glenochil Detention Centre
  • Edinburgh Prison

1985(6)

  • Perth Prison
  • Barlinnie Prison (3)
  • Glenochil Detention Centre
  • Glenochil Young Offenders Institution

1986(5)

  • Perth Prison
  • Edinburgh Prison
  • Barlinnie Prison (2)
  • Cornton Vale Institution
  • (b) 11 were under 21 years of age (4 of whom were on remand);
  • 12 were adult remand prisoners;
  • 9 were adult convicted prisoners.

Mr. McTaggart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the report of the committee on alternative regimes in Scottish prisons, set up in 1981, will be published.

Mr. John McKay

The internal working party on alternative regimes was set up in 1983, but has not yet reported. There is no commitment to publication.

Mr. McTaggart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the percentage of convicted prisoners currently engaged in (a) sewing mailbags, (b) other work, (c) full-time education and (d) no occupation.

Mr. John MacKay

The position at 31 March 1986, the latest date when figures are available, showed that 7 per cent. of convicted prisoners were engaged in manufacturing and repairing mailbags, 84 per cent. in other productive work, 1 per cent. on full-time education and 8 per cent. were not effectively employed. The 8 per cent. covers prisoners who were awaiting or under punishment, sick disabled or under assessment.

Mr. McTaggart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what rules govern the regime for remand prisoners in Scotland.

Mr. John MacKay

The Prison (Scotland) Rules 1952 (S.I. 1952, No. 565), in particular rules 108 to 128 and rule 133.

Mr. McTaggart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many payphones in total are available to prisoners in Scottish prisons; in which prisons they are available; to which categories of prisoner they are available; and if he will ensure they are made available to remand prisoners throughout the Scottish system.

Mr. John MacKay

32 payphones are available to prisoners in the following establishments:

Number
Her Majesty's Prison Aberdeen 1
Her Majesty's Prison and Institution Cornton Vale 3
Her Majesty's Prison Dumfries 1
Her Majesty's Prison Dungavel 2
Her Majesty's Prison Edinburgh 7
Her Majesty's Prison Friarton 1
Her Majesty's Prison Greenock 2
Her Majesty's Prison Inverness 1
Her Majesty's Prison Low Moss 2
Her Majesty's Prison Penninghame 1
Her Majesty's Prison Perth 6
Her Majesty's Young Offenders Institution Castle Huntly 1
Her Majesty's Young Offenders Institution and Detention Centre Glenochil 2
Her Majesty's Young Offenders Institution Noranside 1
Her Majesty's Remand Institution Longriggend 1

Access to payphones in these establishments is available to sentenced prisoners in security categories B, C and D.

The question whether remand prisoners might be allowed access to payphones, and if so under what conditions, is under consideration.