Chamber and committees

Information on reconviction rates of offenders is available from the Scottish Offenders Index, a statistical database that covers all convictions in Scottish courts since 1989 apart from those where the main offence involved was a motor vehicle or minor statutory or common law offence. A statistical bulletin based on this information, Reconvictions of offenders discharged from custody or given non-custodial sentences in 1995, Scotland, was published in February 2001, and is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 11876).Information on re-incarceration rates for prisoners released from custody was published by the Scottish Prison Service in January in a research bulletin titled Return to custody in Scottish prisons, which is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 10938).Research is currently under way on recidivism amongst serious violent and sexual offenders. The outcome of this research will be reported in 2002.

I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:A response to this, and the other points made in the association's Annual Report, will be sent to the association shortly. A copy will be sent to the member.Most visiting committee costs relate to the travelling and other expenses of committee members. Most committee members are members of the local authority that appointed them, and their expenses are paid by their authority rather than SPS. The expenses of other members are paid by SPS, either by the relevant establishment or from a central budget. The functions of visiting committees are clearly laid down in section 8 of the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 and in the Prison Rules, which include provision for committee members to visit prisons, hear complaints from prisoners and report any matters of concern to the prison governor and the Scottish ministers. Current funding arrangements allow for these functions to be carried out and committee members are in no way prevented from carrying out their duties by lack of funds. Current financial arrangements do not compromise the independence of visiting committees, and we therefore have no plans to change them.

Completion of the Estates Review process has taken longer than originally anticipated but it is considered essential that the financial costings are independently evaluated. The findings will be published later this year and a period of consultation will follow.

A response to this and the other points made in the association's Annual Report will be sent to the association shortly. A copy will be sent to the member. Section 19(3) of the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 (as amended) provides that the members of visiting committees for young offenders institutions shall be appointed by the Scottish ministers. In making these appointments, account is taken of the views of all relevant interests, including not only the governors of the institutions but the chairperson of each committee. I believe these procedures work well and have no plans to change them.

I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:A response to this and the other points made in the association's Annual Report will be sent to the association shortly. A copy will be sent to the member.

I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-18792.

I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has made at Polmont significant investment to enhance the capabilities of the various workshops by the introduction of new machinery. Additionally, a paint finishing plant is being installed. This investment should provide further workplaces and training opportunities, as well as making work more interesting. Polmont has also introduced two further training areas, an Information Technology and Business Centre and Vocational Training Painting and Decorating. Both these areas will deliver quality and certificated training.

As a result of the new staff attendance work patterns SPS introduced at Polmont on 1 October 2001, and if more contract work can be sourced, we hope to introduce a workshop efficiency scheme similar to those already established in some other SPS establishments, but without restricting numbers or insisting on full attendance throughout the working week. This would ensure that time for education programmes and PE is maintained. Production through each workshop is monitored on a weekly basis and used to compile annual report statistics on value of production. Polmont also intend to carry out daily monitoring of workshop attendance records.

The written answers database and search engine was added to the redesigned website on 18 June. Towards the end of August, problems were encountered in loading the latest answers into that database. Extensive investigations have shown that this is a complex matter that has needed input from Parliament IT staff and the database product supplier.

The written answers search engine has been fully functional as from 22 October 2001.

I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Newly recruited Scottish Prison Service prison officers spend one week at their establishment followed by five weeks at the Scottish Prison Service College. They are then deployed as officers, and are contractually obliged to complete the SVQ in Custodial Care within two years. New recruit and in-service training at HMP Kilmarnock is a matter for Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd.