HC Deb 17 June 1988 vol 135 cc333-4W
Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what physical training and recreation activities are available to(a) male and (b) female prisoners.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

A wide variety of facilities for physical education and recreation are available in all penal establishments in Scotland. Usage by individual inmates is influenced by considerations of security and control as well as priorities of need.

Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which of the vocational courses of the industrial training boards, currently available to(a) adult and (b) young offender male prisoners, are also available to the same categories of women prisoners.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

At present there is no fully accredited vocational training available for female inmates at Cornton Vale, although skill training is provided in sewing, garment making, cookery and horticulture. Plans are well in hand to introduce properly accredited courses in catering and hairdressing in the near future.