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Justice Secretary comments on prisons report
05/11/2008
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today commented on the Chief Inspector of Prison's annual report.
He said:
"While crime has fallen in Scotland we continue to lock up more offenders than ever before. This is the absurd situation we inherited and which Chief Inspector's report highlights.
"We need prisons but inherited a prison estate that was not fit for purpose. This is why we are investing record sums to deliver three new prisons - the first of which opens in Addiewell in January - and a modern estate fit for the 21st century.
"We need to punish severely those involved in serious crime and lock up those offenders who are a danger to our communities.
"Less serious offences need to be dealt with by tough community punishments. They should pay back the damage they've done in their community through the sweat of their brow, rather than having free bed and board at the taxpayers' expense.
"The independent Prisons Commission recognised that things must change and has challenged us to deliver a tough, flexible system with rehabilitation and payback at its core. We will provide our formal response to the commission report as part of our plans for a coherent penal policy by the end of the year."
Mr MacAskill continued:
"I agree with Dr McLellan that prison is no place for children and share his frustration that a small number of children under 16 were in prison custody over the last year. I am pleased to report that there are currently no under 16s in prison in Scotland.
"I announced plans earlier this year to abolish unruly certificates, which allow children aged 14 and 15 appearing on a charge before a criminal court to be remanded in prison custody.
"We are also developing plans to ensure that more children who are placed in secure care following conviction remain there beyond their 16th birthday rather than being transferred to the prison estate - most often a young offenders' institution."