To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service nurses and social workers have specialist qualifications, or have completed learning modules, in learning difficulties.

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

There are currently 16 registered learning disability nurses employed by the Scottish Prison Service.

All prison based social workers are qualified social workers. There is currently no specialist "learning difficulties" qualification for social workers. Training on learning difficulties is incorporated into the generic training for qualified social workers.