Bomber haircut row intensifies

Security at Camp Zeist has been high since the trial

The Scottish Prison Service has been urged to reveal the costs of providing medical and dental services to the Lockerbie bomber.

Within the last week it has emerged that Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi had his hair cut and was given dental treatment by professionals flown out to him in Camp Zeist in the Netherlands.

Dumfries Labour MSP Dr Elaine Murray said prison officials should "come clean" about the true costs.

Elaine Murray: "SPS should come clean"

She has written to the Scottish Executive asking for details to be made public.

Questions have been asked as to why Al Megrahi, 49, could not have been seen by a local dentist and barber in Holland.

Scottish Justice Minister Jim Wallace has already asked for an explanation from the SPS over the haircut.

And on Wednesday, Dr Murray said she wanted information about Al Megrahi's arrangements and their associated costs to the taxpayer.

She said: "It is time that the SPS came clean about how it is making arrangements for this prisoner and the cost to the public purse.

'Could be cheaper'

"We heard plenty from SPS management in recent months regarding the need to review their estate and change prison officers' conditions of service in order to save money.

"Perhaps savings could also be achieved by changing the way this prisoner is provided with dental, medical and other treatment."

Al Megrahi: Appealing sentence

Dr Murray said she had no objection to Al Megrahi receiving whatever treatment he needed, but added: "I'm sure the Dutch authorities could provide it much cheaper."

The MSP said she was sure the security issue, which had been cited as the reason behind flying people out from Scotland, could be dealt with in conjunction with the Dutch authorities.

Libyan Al Megrahi is serving life for murdering 270 people in the 1988 Pan Am air disaster.

He was jailed for life with a recommendation that he serve at least 20 years. He is appealing against his conviction.