1.1 In previous annual reports we have attempted to describe a wide range of prison issues, more especially since the SPS became an Executive Agency of The Scottish Office in 1993. This report, however, is focused on the four main problems which are still confronting the SPS and many of its prisoners; these are, overcrowding - with six prisons currently so affected; drug abuse which has spread from the community to most, if not all, establishments; suicides, which sadly have reached record levels and for which there may be some connection with the high throughput rate; a lack of productive work for prisoners at some locations. These problems impact in particular on remand or unconvicted prisoners and the question of their care poses a very major challenge both in policy terms and in the allocation of scarce resources.

1.2 There are other difficulties for the SPS, the most prominent of which is the number of serious assaults among prisoners which have now reached record levels. However, there are signs that the counter measures which were recently instituted by management, may be beginning to show some effect.

1.3 There have also been many other developments of an encouraging nature. These include the much needed refurbishment of a number of old and insanitary accommodation Halls at several of the larger prisons, the introduction of random MDT to every prison establishment, the creation of a new security auditing process and the introduction of a centralised psychology service. There have also been further and impressive improvements to health care arrangements across the SPS.

1.4 The major prospective development has been the amendments to early release which were contained in the Crime and Punishment (Scotland) Act 1997. It is generally accepted that these would have major implications for future population levels if enacted; for example, it is estimated that in year 1 of their implementation, up to 1,000 additional places would be required, rising within five years to 2,200. These figures would be in addition to the overcrowding levels which exist at present.