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Slopping out millions 'must stop' Slopping out millions 'must stop'
(10 minutes later)
Millions of pounds of compensation being paid to criminals under human rights laws is "unacceptable", Scotland's justice minister has said.Millions of pounds of compensation being paid to criminals under human rights laws is "unacceptable", Scotland's justice minister has said.
So far £11m has been paid to more than 3,700 prisoners after a judge ruled their human rights had been breached by slopping out the prison cell toilets. So far £11m has been paid to more than 3,700 prisoners after a judge ruled their human rights had been breached by slopping out their prison cell toilets.
In England and Wales there is a one-year time bar for such claims.In England and Wales there is a one-year time bar for such claims.
Kenny MacAskill wants the UK government to legislate to bring Scotland into line with the rest of the country.Kenny MacAskill wants the UK government to legislate to bring Scotland into line with the rest of the country.
A House of Lords ruling in October 2007 said claims in Scotland could date back to 2001, when human rights laws became operational.A House of Lords ruling in October 2007 said claims in Scotland could date back to 2001, when human rights laws became operational.
Prison cellsPrison cells
The anomaly has arisen because of the wording of the Scotland Act which established devolution - and included human rights provisions.The anomaly has arisen because of the wording of the Scotland Act which established devolution - and included human rights provisions.
Only Westminster can change this and Scottish ministers have been urging their colleagues in London to act quickly.Only Westminster can change this and Scottish ministers have been urging their colleagues in London to act quickly.
Mr MacAskill told parliament £67m had been set aside for payouts to this year.Mr MacAskill told parliament £67m had been set aside for payouts to this year.
He described the situation as "untenable and unacceptable" and said changing the law would free £50m for spending on other government priorities.He described the situation as "untenable and unacceptable" and said changing the law would free £50m for spending on other government priorities.
Slopping out was the practice of using buckets as toilets in prison cells.Slopping out was the practice of using buckets as toilets in prison cells.
Although it has now ended, claims continue to be made, dating back up to eight years.Although it has now ended, claims continue to be made, dating back up to eight years.
Mr MacAskill said 3,737 cases had been settled at a cost of £11.2m.Mr MacAskill said 3,737 cases had been settled at a cost of £11.2m.
A further 1,223 were being dealt with - an average of 200 new claims per month.A further 1,223 were being dealt with - an average of 200 new claims per month.