HC Deb 08 February 1999 vol 325 cc56-7W
Sir Robert Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many visitors to prisons were arrested for drug related offences in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [68543]

Mr. McLeish

All prisons face the risk of prisoners visitors seeking to bring illegal drugs into establishments, and take a variety of measures to prevent it. Appropriate action is taken where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion, and any visitor who is caught is referred to the police. Records are not, however, maintained by the Scottish Prison Service of the number of arrests which arise from such action.

From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.