To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-16158 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 May 2005, whether there are any rules or guidelines which cover the holding of media conferences by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and, if so, what they are, who drew them up, whether they cover attendance or invitation protocols and how often they are reviewed.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons decides whether or not to hold a media conference on the publication of a report. The Chief Inspector of Prisons is independent of ministers. He is not obliged to hold a press conference, but generally does so for full inspection reports. There are no rules covering this.