To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-35567 by Kenny MacAskill on 26 August 2010, how long prior to the release of a prisoner on temporary licence a local police force will be informed.

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

There is no prescribed timescale for the passing of this information. On average local police are notified 24 to 48 hours in advance of temporary release.