§ 22. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he has decided to release Christopher Craig next May.
§ Mr. BrookeCraig's case, in common with those of all persons detained during Her Majesty's Pleasure, or serving sentences of life imprisonment, has been kept under review. After careful consideration of all the circumstances, I reached the decision that it would be right to release him on licence next May. He will then have been detained for 10. years. His release will be subject to his continued good conduct in prison meanwhile, and to satisfactory arrangements being made for his resettlement.
§ Mr. LiptonWould the Home Secretary be good enough to explain what principle he follows in deciding to commute life sentences? For example, why has he decided to release Christopher Craig and Frederick Emmett-Dunne, both of whom were involved in murder charges, in the very near future, whereas, on the other hand, he is keeping in prison Joseph Doyle who was also sentenced to life imprisonment for implication in a raid on a military unit in Berkshire, and who is being kept in prison for a life sentence, despite representations which the right hon. Gentleman has received from a deputation of members of the Irish Parliament in Dublin?
§ Mr. BrookeI will certainly keep Doyle's case under review, too. His crime was committed some two years later than Craig's. What I take into account are the circumstances of the offence, the age and character of the offender, his development in detention, and the need to protect the public from any prisoner who may become a danger if released.