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 Low Moss. I am pleased to note that he recognises that Low Moss has played a crucial role in minimising overcrowding within the prison system, particularly with regard to HM Prison Barlinnie and that he has recommended that it continues to play a part in the SPS estate.

2. I agree that Low Moss continues to fulfil a useful role in the Scottish prison system. Considerable upgrading of the buildings has taken place over recent years, but there is a need to replace in due course the prisoners’ hutted accommodation. However, this will not be achievable in the foreseeable future as the priority for the time being is to relieve overcrowding in general within the system. The long term future of Low Moss and its condition will be addressed in the review of estates strategy which SPS is undertaking, but there are no plans to move the prison from its present site.

3. I am pleased to note that the Chief Inspector was impressed with the drug related work which has been carried out at Alba House and I join him in commending staff and prisoners for their commitment to this work. I agree that prisoner programmes should be developed to match the aggregated needs of the majority of the establishment’s prisoners and the Governor is working on a strategy to achieve this. Arrangements are being made to appoint a full time drugs strategy co-ordinator rather than a part time harm reduction worker, as the Governor considers that this will ensure strong and focused links between the interventions which are available both inside and outside the prison.

4. Arrangements will be made to upgrade the laundry facilities in Low Moss as soon as possible. Funds have been made available to replace the mattresses and wardrobes. In the meantime, Low Moss are now meeting the operating standards in relation to the daily changing of prisoner underclothing. The number of telephones available for prisoners’ use will be increased as proposed.

18 May 1998