§ 29. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the meritorious conduct of a prisoner in Winson Green Prison, Birmingham, in preventing the murder of a prison officer for which he was awarded a remission of his sentence by six months, if he will reconsider making a more generous award to this prisoner in accordance with the recommendation made to him by the prison governor supported by the Prison Officers' Association.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeNo, Sir. I appreciate the courage which the prisoner showed in going to the prison officer's assistance, and I gave full weight to this in deciding what remission to recommend. In considering how much remission should be awarded to a prisoner who has gone to the assistance of a prison officer it is necessary to maintain a just balance between the prisoner whose case is under consideration and others who have behaved meritoriously. Having regard to the amount of remission awarded in other cases the six months recommended in this case was generous, and I am not prepared to recommend that the award be increased.
§ Mr. YatesIn view of the fact that the governor of the prison himself recommended a twelve months' remission, and the facts were established before the court that the action of this man saved the life of a prison officer, may I ask the Home Secretary again to reconsider whether this is a generous allowance since it really means only a four months' remission of the man's sentence?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI have stated, and the hon. Gentleman appreciates, that I am not bound by any recommendation made to me by any officer. I have to look at all cases on their merits. I have looked at this one and I cannot say that the remission is other than generous.