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It is worth noting that the letter has been with us for almost two months but that we have been unable to refer to it until now. Its contents cover the latest twist in the malicious prosecution scandal. I was interested to read the confirmation that £15 million has been paid to the administrators but that that has been done with “no admission of liability” by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

Last week, we heard from the interim Crown Agent, John Logue, who said that the pay-outs now stand at £51 million. We should put it on the record that the £15 million mentioned in the letter is part of that £51 million rather than on top of it. Mr Logue also confirmed that the Scottish Government has effectively signed a blank cheque for any future pay-outs. Of course, that has happened against a background of warnings about extreme budget cuts being made across the justice system. It is also worth noting that we were told about the £15 million pay-out only because it had been reported by a newspaper.

The entire scandal has spanned the reigns of three Lord Advocates, starting with that of Frank Mulholland and moving on to that of James Wolffe and now that of Dorothy Bain. It has caused significant reputational damage to the Scottish justice system. However, there appears to be a strange and worrying lack of meaningful contrition, explanation and accountability. Should we consider calling the two previous Lord Advocates to give evidence about what has happened?

Given that one in five of the written submissions to the lead committee relate to criminal justice, it makes perfect sense that we should take a proper look at it.

I will continue the line of questioning on Greenock prison. You said something along the lines that, if you go back in there and it is in the same condition as before, you would bring the HSE with you. You then suggested to Jamie Greene that, if it was particularly bad, you would be willing for the prison to be closed down, if need be. Does the HSE have the power to do that?

Is that likely?

So, given the extreme budget realities that the Scottish Prison Service faces, that is doable. It is possible to pause the transfer, at least in the short term.

Serco is offering to build a new facility, but I presume that, if the transfer takes place, given the budgetary issues, there will not be a new facility.

It is worth noting that the Scottish Government has already committed to having an inquiry, to add to the proliferation of inquiries that we have already and which are costing a small fortune in themselves. Could the committee, in advance of an inquiry ever happening, seek evidence from and speak to those directly involved? I do not think that we should rule out anything like that—it is perfectly within our gift.

Is that the first time that you have even considered the likelihood of having to close a facility?

Convener, may I also ask about Kilmarnock?

I will make a final point on that quickly.