To ask the Scottish Executive when the most recent inspection of the prison escort service was carried out by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and when the next inspection will take place.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMCIP) has no statutory authority to inspect the prison escort service. In terms of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, HMCIP has a responsibility "to inspect the conditions in which prisoners are transported or held in pursuance of prisoner escort arrangements". He is currently drawing up plans to do this.