To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-33964 S2W-1868 and S2O-422 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 February 2003 and Cathy Jamieson on 1 and 18 September 2003 respectively, whether it is considering any alteration of its contract with the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock to increase the maximum allowed performance-related revenue deduction, given that the prison operators have been penalised for poor performance to the maximum allowed in the contract in seven quarters out of 17 in which the prison has operated, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.

I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No. The contractual limit is considered by Scottish Prison Service to be at an appropriate level and provides best value for money.