Responding to the publication of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons report into Mental Health in Prison, Scottish Labour's Shadow Justice Secretary Richard Baker said:

"Andrew McLellan clearly points out in his report that the mental health of some prisoners is being damaged by overcrowding. Whilst the prison population has shot up over the last 18 months Kenny MacAskill has not done anything to ease that overcrowding by providing more capacity. His inaction is damaging public confidence in our prisons.

"Sometimes prison will not be the right option for some offenders with a mental condition and the Justice Secretary needs to ensure that suitable secure facilities are available for offenders with mental health problems across the country. Ensuring public safety should always be the first priority for ministers but from this report it appears that more secure hospital facilities are needed.  

"The report points out that some prisoners with severe mental health problems are being released into the community with little continuing support. This is unacceptable and Ministers needs to take immediate action."

4 December 2008