§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish Prison Officers Association regarding the need for increases in the number of prison officers at Scottish prison establishments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangThere are regular meetings with representatives of the Scottish Prison Officers' Association at local and national level at which various issues, including staffing levels, are discussed. Representations have been made about staffing levels at individual establishments. The number of prison officers has increased by 17 per cent. to 2,750 over the past six years, while the prison population has increased by 15 per cent.