RESPONSE TO HM CHIEF INSPECTOR’S REPORT ON HM REMAND INSTITUTION LONGRIGGEND

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

I am grateful to HM Chief Inspector for his report to the Secretary of State for Scotland on HM Remand Institution, Longriggend. I am pleased to note that relations between staff and the remand and adult prisoner population were found to be good, and that a comprehensive anti-bullying strategy has been put in place.

As the report makes clear, progress has been made in recent years on the fabric of the institution; but I accept that some further work is required, particularly with regard to the windows and football field. Proposals for improvements to these are being considered by the Scottish Prison Service in the context of planning for the capital programme in 1998-99.

The appointment of the new Governor provides an opportunity for further strategic direction and enhanced support to staff, and I share the Chief Inspector’s hope that operational requirements do not prevent the continuity at management level from which the establishment can undoubtedly benefit.

I agree with the Chief Inspector about the importance of family contact and agree that there is a case for increasing the number of card phones. The Governor is taking steps to increase the number of and duration of visits for families.

The proposal for a full time drug addictions worker will be considered in the context of the overall strategy for the management of drugs issues within Longriggend, and of the budgetary arrangements for 1998-99. It may be that a sharing arrangement with another establishment will be more appropriate than a full-time worker. The Governor has made the necessary budgetary arrangements for additional nursing cover.

Alongside this, the induction process is being reviewed to ensure that the needs of the population are identified and met as far as possible, within the constraints of a relatively short average period of custody within Longriggend.

The Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service will reply to the Points of Note.

1 December 1997