Convicts Moan About Soggy Chips

Dec 9 2007 By Norman Silvester

Prisoners' No.1 Moan Isn't Dirty Cells..it's Soggy Fries

SCOTS prisoners' biggest worry is not slopping out or overcrowded cells...it's soggy chips.

Now jail bosses hope that serving up better fries will help quell growing unrest behind bars.

It has been revealed that inmates made more complaints about chips than the length of sentences or prison conditions.

And warders believe there is less chance of problems behind bars if deep-fried dinners come up to scratch.

The potato plea was revealed after a report by prisons watchdog Dr Andrew McLellan seen by MSPs last week.

Scottish Prison Service chief executive Mike Ewart said: "We conduct an annual survey of prisoners' views.

"A particular complaint was that where chips are being moved around in a trolley and are kept warm, they get soggy.

"It may sound like a low-level complaint but it can be the source of very real difficulty.

"We have sought to improve food quality and to make healthy options available. Persuading our particular clientele to take those options is yet another challenge."

A prison source said: "Most cons don't want to eat fresh fruit or pasta. It's chips with everything.

"The governors know if they get the chips right, then it results in a peaceful prison."

The Scottish Prison Service yesterday claimed prisoners' meals were improving.

Spokesman Tom Fox said: "Most meals are now served fresh in the individual accommodation blocks. In the past the meals were cooked in central kitchens then transported round the prison.

"In prison things like chips are important when there is little else to look forward to."

McLellan's report revealed too many prisoners are relaxing in their cells "watching Lorraine Kelly" on TV.

In one jail, McLellan said only a third of inmates were doing any work.

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'In prison things like chips are important as there is little else to look forward to'

Tom Fox