asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to appeal against the award of £36,000 to a convicted prisoner at Peterhead prison who received his injuries when endeavouring to escape from the prison; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. An appeal has now been lodged against the decision of Lord Cowie in the Court of Session to award compensation to Mr. Glen Hewson, a convicted prisoner who was injured while attempting to escape from Peterhead prison in 1982. Pending the outcome of the appeal, it would not be appropriate for my right hen. and learned Friend or myself to comment on particular aspects of the case.