Chamber and committees

I do not think that that is accurate. Just for completeness of the record, there was one amendment that was accepted by the Government and I understood that that was because of the experience of custody courts going on until 10 o’clock at night—in Glasgow anyway—at huge cost to the public purse, because the quality of the connection was so bad. I saw for myself the mistakes that were being made and, for that reason, I thought that at least there was a ban on virtual appearances at custody courts. Anyway, I would be grateful if I could get some clarification on that. For that reason, I have to raise my concerns about the continuation of virtual appearances.

Do you agree that there is an urgent need to replace Barlinnie?

l am only asking the panel what I already asked them. Can you give us a rough indication of the year?

We have been told that it is expected that the design will be complete in April next year, but we currently have no idea whatsoever about how the prison will be built. I understand that it is a big infrastructure project. Will you press the relevant people to provide an estimate of when the project can start? Am I right in thinking that, if you have a design plan at that point, you can cost it?

You will see them in April.

I take it from what you are saying to the committee that the new prison is a priority, you will see the design plans in April and then you will start to release the relevant capital to get work started. Is that fair?

I understand that you cannot answer that question. I suppose that I would like to think that the Government is pressing the Crown for an answer. You are coming to the committee asking us to endorse the extension, but I do not think there is any justification for the Crown asking for it. I am less sympathetic to the extension to that time limit.

Can I ask you about the letter, which I have only just seen? I understand that you are consulting on making permanent measures that would include electronic signing of documents, virtual attendance at criminal courts and national jurisdiction for callings from custody—there is a list of things that you are asking to be made permanent. We will not be able to cover this today, but can I highlight a few areas of concern? Have you discussed national jurisdiction with the legal profession, for example? That must have huge implications for where people are tried and where the lawyers have to be.

Thank you very much.

I want to ask about recent press reports about Barlinnie prison in Glasgow. I think that you have already alluded to issues with the construction industry. Could you elaborate on that? Has the timetable changed again and what are the actual reasons that you are being given for the delay? I understand that the cost of raw materials is going up, but that is the case across the sector. Given that we are building one prison here, and that it is a priority, I am having difficulty in understanding what seem to be repeated delays in bringing it about.

Yes, I am learning, but, to be candid, it is not fair for the committee to be left with the perception by the Government or the SPS that the timeline just moves all the time. I know that it is complicated, but, up this point, it feels that there is some smoke and mirrors when we try to pin down anything at all on a project that is meant to be a priority. That is all that I am trying to press you on.

Does that mean that the anticipated date of 2026 is not a real date any more? Is that just fluid?