§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make it his policy to set up an inquiry team of a judge and three lay assessors to investigate the whole Scottish prison system in view of the recent disturbances at a number of Scottish prisons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangNo. Appropriate steps have been taken to investigate or pursue issues arising from the recent incidents in Scottish prisons.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in the light of recent disturbances at Scottish prisons, he will consider setting up a highly trained unit of specialists to deal with any future disturbances in order to reduce stress and strain on prison officers and their families.
§ Mr. LangWhile the Scottish prison service in co-operation with the police has the capability and expertise to deal with the disturbances experienced at Scottish prisons in recent months, I share the concern of my hon. Friend for prison officers and their families. Our arrangements and procedures are constantly under review and I will bear his suggestion in mind.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the additional police and prison costs as a result of the recent disturbance at Peterhead prison; and if he will list these in the Official Report.
§ Mr. LangThe information is as follows:
Police £'000 Prison £'000 Staff 16 73 Supplies 9 19 Buildings — 250 25 342
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered what further training should be given to prison officers in self-protection against assault in view of recent disturbances at Scottish prisons, including Peterhead prison.
§ Mr. LangPrison officers are trained in the use of demonstration control techniques to deal with large scale disturbances, and in the use of control and restraint242W techniques to deal with individual inmates who may be violent or disturbed, where the requirement is to minimise the risk of injury to inmates and staff. The content of training is kept under regular review and will be looked at in the light of recent events.