§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the security arrangements at Peterhead prison.
§ Mr. LangSecurity arrangements at Peterhead prison were enhanced earlier this year. I am satisfied that they are consistent with the level of security required in a maximum security prison.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects that work will commence on the new Peterhead prison; and what is the anticipated completion date.
§ Mr. LangPresent plans provide for work on the new Peterhead prison to commence in the spring of 1987 and for the project to be completed in 1990.
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§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will meet the Peterhead branch of the Scottish Prison Officers Association to discuss the proposed new prison in Peterhead.
§ Mr. LangConsultations have already taken place between my officials and the Peterhead branch of the Scottish prison Officers' Association on the concept and design of the new Peterhead prison. Such discussions will continue as planning proceeds and I will be kept advised of their progress.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now set up a court of inquiry chaired by a senior judge and comprising independent lay assessors to investigate the allegations into brutality at Peterhead prison; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangNo. Recent allegations of brutality at Peterhead prison have been general and unsubstantiated by evidence of particular occasions or events. Any allegation of criminal conduct, however, would be referred to the police and procurator fiscal for investigation.
I am asking Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons to pay a further visit to Peterhead prison and to report to me. I note that in his report on the Prison in 1985 he drew attention to the protests against the regime and put them into perspective, including the assaults by inmates on staff and on other inmates.