The matter that I want to mention is the report on Cornton Vale that came out today. I am in the committee's hands on the issue, but I know that Lord James Douglas-Hamilton agrees with me that it would appropriate to arrange an early visit to Cornton Vale prison. I also suggest that we endeavour to invite the former chief inspector of prisons, Clive Fairweather, to speak to his report as soon as possible after our visit. Shall we set that up?
If we are going to do something like that, we should try to fit it into our alternatives to custody inquiry, as opposed to having a special sitting just to take evidence on the specific issue. I would welcome some guidance from the clerks about how we could possibly work in any such meeting with our alternatives to custody inquiry. That is where the crux of the issue lies.
I do not think that the two exclude each other. It is important for us to take the evidence on the practical circumstances and from Clive Fairweather on his report. We will then be in a position to weave it into our alternatives to custody inquiry. I must admit that I have not had a chance to read the report, but many points refer to the fact that too many women are being put into Cornton Vale for minor offences. We could work that way, but I am in the committee's hands. With our commitment to Cornton Vale over many years, it is important that we have a look and speak to staff for ourselves. If we can speak to Clive Fairweather too, we can weave that into our inquiry. We need to get something fixed up quickly.
It is desirable to go to Cornton Vale. A lot of evidence has been put forward on behalf of the women prisoners, and we should see the situation at first hand from the point of view of prison officers and medical staff and the prisoners. I have been there at least three times, but I would like an up-to-date picture.
Shall we contact members by e-mail about what we fix up? We will get back to members with proposals as soon as we can tomorrow morning. Is that agreed?
Members indicated agreement.