Prison row darkens conference mood

Jim Wallace said he was open to alternatives

Justice Minister Jim Wallace has delivered his keynote speech at the Liberal Democrat party's Scottish conference in Perth.

Mr Wallace was pressured by delegates over contentious plans for three new private prisons in Scotland.

But he said new prisons would have to be built in "a cost effective" manner.

Delegates at the conference overwhelmingly passed a motion that expressed concern over proposals to build and run jails for profit.

The party's Scottish leader presented the plans - which would mean the closure of Low Moss prison near Glasgow, as well as Peterhead prison in Aberdeenshire - to parliament last month.

One speaker described the proposals as "abhorrent".

I recognise and respect those who feel that only the state should have the role of running prisons

Jim Wallace

But during his speech Mr Wallace said he was open to alternative ideas on the issue.

A review of the Prisons Estate earlier this year said the private jails could save the executive some £700m.

However, the figure was branded "fundamentally flawed" in a report from two Scottish academics.

The proposal to use the private sector to build and run three new Scottish prisons has already caused controversy at the event in Perth.

Several party members demanded an emergency debate on the issue, but conference managers decided against allowing a critical motion.

'Slopping out'

Instead, delegates debated a less critical motion which welcomes the Scottish Executive's decision to carry out consultation process on the controversial plans.

Prison officers lobbied the conference

During his keynote speech, Mr Wallace said it was imperative to build new prisons and end the "disgrace of slopping out".

He said: "So, the Cabinet was faced with a decision. Could we justify spending £700m we had no need to spend, when it could be allocated to other public services such as health and education?

"And what timescale is acceptable for ending slopping out? It was having weighed up these considerations that we published our proposals for consultation."

"I recognise and respect those who feel that only the state should have the role of running prisons," Mr Wallace said.

"But let me make it clear. Whilst the State can delegate the functions of running a prison, I will never let the state delegate its responsibility to prisoners sentenced by the courts.

Rank and file

"If anyone can present an alternative proposal that would achieve our objectives more quickly, or at the same time or at an equal or lower cost, I would be delighted to consider it."

George Lyon MSP said the party's rank and file were unhappy with the private prisons' plan and should make their feelings known.

He said: "No one in the party, from ministers down, are comfortable with the contents of the Prison Estates' Review.

"It is up to everyone in the party to make their views known."

'Glass ceiling'

The move led to accusations of "betrayal" from prison officers who were lobbying the conference on Friday.

David Melrose, chairman of the Scottish Prison Officers' Association, said: "It is a cop-out to protect (Jim) Wallace's position."

Mr Wallace also said Liberal Democrats had a strong track record in government and he challenged members to make this a Liberal century by working hard to increase the party's representation at the next elections.

He said the party's manifesto for the 2003 parliamentary elections would have a green hue.

This would include commitments to planning law reform, targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy, and for all government policy to be subject to strategic environmental assessment.

"I want to see our manifesto for 2003 have a green section in relation to each policy area," Mr Wallace said.

"Our policies for a fair and open society have given direction to our parliament. We have brought genuine stability to government in Scotland.

"These are strengths that have seen us make significant progress, but there must be no glass ceiling to our ambitions."