26. Miss Leeasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds certain prisoners in Cyprus are transferred to this country to serve considerable periods of their sentences; on what evidence this selection is made; and what remission of sentence is given to compensate for the loss of opportunities of visits from their relatives.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Lennox-Boyd)The prisoners were brought here under the Colonial Prisoners Removal Act of 1884 for their safer custody, and for carrying their sentences into effect more efficiently. The removals were ordered in each case after consideration of a report by the Governor of Cyprus. As regards the third part of the Question, no specific remission is given on this account. I am, however, bringing this matter to the attention of the Governor of Cyprus, who has responsibility for the review of sentences and who will no doubt bear this factor in mind.