Responding to reports that hundreds of prisoners are being freed early from jail because there isn't enough room for them, Shadow Justice Secretary Richard Baker said:
"Kenny MacAskill's policy for dealing with prison overcrowding is madness. I am appalled that criminals are being released without serving their jail time.
"Home Detention Curfew has a role in preparing prisoners for release, but the SNP appear to abusing the scheme by using it as a get out of jail free card for habitual offenders.
"Kenny MacAskill must take responsibility for the crisis in the Scottish prison system. He should start by immediately reversing his £10 million cut in the budget for building new prisons.
"I have asked for an urgent meeting with Mike Ewart, the head of the Scottish Prison Service, and will also visit Barlinnie Prison to see for myself what's going on."
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