HC Deb 30 January 1990 vol 166 cc143-4W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the prison population in each of the past 10 years; what are his estimates for the prison population for the next five years; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 25 January 1990]: Information for the past 10 years is set out in the table:

Population in Scottish penal establishments 1980 to 1989
Number
1980 4,860
1981 4,518
1982 4,891
1983 5,052
1984 4,753
1985 5,273
1986 5,588
1987 5,446
1988 5,229
19891 4,985
1 Provisional

1 Provisional.

My latest projection is for an average population of 5,100 prisoners in each of the next five years. This projection, which was prepared some months ago for planning purposes, takes account of demographic trends.

I welcome the fact that, since the peak in 1986, the average prison population has fallen steadily, to the point where we are now projecting that the number of places in Scottish prisons will be adequate to meet needs for the foreseeable future. Such an improvement can only contribute to better conditions for prisoners and staff alike.