HC Deb 16 January 1990 vol 165 cc202-3W
Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if weapons were involved in the authorised training processes carried out within the Scottish prison service by Mr. Gordon Jackson.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Mr. Jackson was authorised to train teams in negotiating procedures. Weapons are not authorised or necessary for such training.

Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland under what authority the former governor of Glenochil prison, Mr. Gordon Jackson, established a special squad from the prison service to be trained to SAS standards; and what was the basis for selection.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

A special squad from the prison service was not established and trained to SAS standards.

Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland. whether the special training initiated by governor Gordon Jackson at Glenochil has continued following his departure.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

There is no evidence to suggest that governor Gordon Jackson initiated any special training at Glenochil and no such training has been introduced since his departure.

Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement as to why Gordon Jackson, governor of Glenochil prison, kept CS gas cartridges and ammunition at the gaol; and what was his policy on the keeping of similar supplies at other prisons.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Mr. Jackson pled guilty to being in unauthorised possession of CS cartridges and ammunition at Alloa sheriff court on 1 December 1989. The Prison Rules (Scotland) do not authorise the possession or use of these items and no change to this position is considered necessary.