§ Mr. DoranTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is his policy on the issue of fire retardant furnishings, in particular bedding and mattresses, to inmates in Scottish prisons;
(2) how many prisoners in Scottish prisons have been issued with fire retardant furnishings, in particular mattresses and bedding; and what proportion this represents of the Scottish prison population.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information is not available in the form requested. Two establishments are furnished with highly fire resistant mattresses for all inmates, and 12 other establishments have such mattresses for prisoners regarded as at risk. Fire-retardant sheets, pillowslips and mattress covers are being phased in. Appropriate steps are taken to minimise the opportunity of fire raising. Suitable accommodation is provided and precautions taken for known fire raisers.