Prisoners' poor diet under fire

Shotts Prison staff claim budget insufficient for more fresh fruit and vegetables

News, 23 March 2005

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Prisoners at Shotts Prison are still only given two or three pieces of fruit a week in their meals, according to a new report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons.

Despite recommendations to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables offered to prisoners, no progress had been made over the last year as catering staff said it was impossible on a budget of £1.57 a day per prisoner.

The report also criticised the closure of a vocational training course in hairdressing and the withdrawal of a crèche for children during visiting time.

Andrew McLellan, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons said: “For all prisoners the experience of visits is important: for long-term prisoners and for their families it may be vital.

“Reductions in training opportunities and in the quality of experience of visits are not likely to improve the opportunities offered to prisoners for rehabilitation.”

However the prison was praised for resolving a number of other issues raised in the 2003 inspection report including successful changes in the use of accommodation following the relocation of the national induction centre to A Hall and the piloting of a violence prevention programme.

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