To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-15431 by Cathy Jamieson on 14 April 2005, whether it will provide the (a) date, (b) cost and (c) specific reason for each visit made by the Minister for Justice to HM Prison Kilmarnock in the last six years.

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

The Minister for Justice visited HM Prison Kilmarnock on 15 December 2004 and 16 February 2005. Mr Jim Wallace in his role as Minister for Justice visited on 17 November 2000.

No information is available on the cost of the visits.