asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why prison officers are not mentioned in the fresh start scheme; if the scheme can apply to Scottish prison officers in addition to those in other parts of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

The Fresh Start package of prison service staffing reforms, covering working arrangements, management structure and pay and conditions, was proposed, in the first instance, by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary in relation to England and Wales. But officers of the Scottish Prison Officer Association (SPOA) and of the Governors' Branch (Scotland) of the Society of Civil and Public Servants, and my officials, have participated in the discussions on Fresh Start. I have instructed my officials to consult the unions about implementation in Scotland.