§ 5. Mr. Clemitsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average length of sentence served by those released from prison on parole during 1975 and in each of the preceding four years.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn both 1975 and 1974, the period was one year eight months and in the last nine months of 1973 it was one year seven months. I regret that information for earlier years is not available.
§ Mr. ClemitsonIs my hon. Friend satisfied with the rather small amount of progress which appears to have been made in reducing the amount of sentence served before parole? Will she comment on steps being taken significantly to reduce this period?
§ Dr. SummerskillI cannot agree with my hon. Friend. In 1975, the paroling rate increased significantly. Nearly 40 per cent. of parole reviews led to the granting of parole, compared with less than 33 per cent. in 1974. The number of eligible prisoners who were granted parole at some stage of their sentences was running at the rate of 49 per cent. in 1975, compared with 40 per cent. in 1974.
§ Mr. BrothertonIs the hon. Lady aware that far too many prisoners are being let out on parole far too soon, and that the vast majority of people in this country would be much happier if these people stayed much longer in prison?
§ Dr. SummerskillI cannot agree with the hon. Member, but his question shows the diversity of view that exists about the parole system.
§ Mr. BidwellIn the case of the imprisoned Shrewsbury picket, Mr. Dennis Warren, and the possibility of his parole, is it possible for the Home Department 616 to make clear to the Parole Board, when it reconsiders his case, that he is not a usual prisoner and his is not a usual case?
§ Mr. Russell KerrHe is a political prisoner.
§ Mr. BidwellIs my hon. Friend aware that if the normal situation for dealing with criminal prisoners is applied, Mr. Warren may not get remission? Is she aware that the case has upset the whole trade union movement? Can the Home Office do anything about it?
§ Dr. SummerskillMr. Warren is not a poltical prisoner. He is serving three years for conspiracy to intimidate and for unlawful assembly.
§ Mr. Russell KerrHe is a political prisoner.
§ Dr. SummerskillHe is due to be released, subject to good behaviour, on 3rd September.
§ Mr. CarlisleIs the hon. Lady aware that, unlike my hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Mr. Brotherton), I welcome the expansion of the parole system? Does she agree, however, that it is vital that public confidence in the system should be retained and that the public should be assured that each case will continue to be considered on its merits?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe Parole Board is an independent body with which Home Office Ministers cannot interfere. I have every confidence in its ability to consider each case objectively and on its merits.