RESPONSE TO HM CHIEF INSPECTOR’S REPORT ON HM PRISON ABERDEEN

Statement by Henry McLeish MP, Minister of State at the Scottish Office with responsibility for Prisons

1. I am grateful to HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland for the Report of his Inspection on HM Prison Aberdeen. The report helpfully highlights many positive aspects of the way in which that establishment is being run, as well as drawing attention to areas where there is scope for improvement.

2. In relation to the high prisoner numbers, I agree that the prison has been seriously stretched. The number of immigration detainees present in the establishment just before the Inspection began was quite abnormal, but high prisoner numbers were a particular feature in 1997. Some relief is now being provided in that long-term prisoners, who transfer to HMP Perth to serve the main part of their sentence, are now moving there more quickly. This is possible because the refurbishment of B and D Halls at Perth is now complete, and the Halls restored to full use. That is a welcome improvement from which Aberdeen will benefit. In addition, as the report notes, work is about to commence on alterations which will provide 15 additional prisoner places at HMP Aberdeen. The Scottish Prison Service keeps continually under review prisoner numbers, both nationally and locally, and there are a number of options for responding to local pressures.

3. The desirability of enhancing the accommodation at Aberdeen to provide the new facilities recommended by HM Inspectorate is fully recognised, but the competing claims for limited resources mean that early progress is not possible on all fronts. Against the suggestions in the report that the establishment might be suffering in terms of new investment, as compared with other prisons, it has to be remembered that all the cells in Aberdeen have been provided, at substantial cost, with access to night sanitation, an amenity still not available to 30% of prisoner places in Scotland.

4. As regards the recommendation for full-time drug officers, proposals for improving the effectiveness of the prison’s response to the drugs problems of its prisoner population are being considered in the context of the strategic plan for the establishment. Full-time drug officers are only one of a range of possible responses.

5. I take this opportunity to pass on my appreciation to the Governor and staff of HM Prison Aberdeen for their valued efforts and continued commitment to providing a high quality service.

22 January 1998