HM CHIEF INSPECTOR’S REPORT ON HM NATIONAL INDUCTION CENTRE

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 National Induction Centre. I am pleased that he considers that the Centre is achieving its purpose of preparing long-term prisoners for their period in custody. I join with the Chief Inspector in offering congratulations to past and present staff.

2. I agree that prisoners should move on to their allocation prison as soon as possible following their induction period in the NIC and that, once transfer has taken place, they should not be disadvantaged in terms of the progression system at the establishment concerned. However high prisoner numbers in recent years combined with the pressure on spaces in the long-term system have led to delays. These pressures are continuing, but the Scottish Prison Service is reviewing its policy relating to the transfer of prisoners, and their positioning in the progression system. The situation is likely to be improved next year with the opening of 500 places at the new prison at Kilmarnock, a number of which will be for long-term prisoners.

3. Arrangements are being made for CCTV surveillance equipment to be installed in the staircase within the accommodation area and on each of the landings, and money is being made available for the appointment of an addictions worker.

4. The Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service will respond to the Point of Note which concerns other establishments.

2 April 1998