HC Deb 17 June 1998 vol 314 c478

1.—(1) This paragraph applies where a prisoner who makes an application to Commissioners under section 3(1) is serving a sentence of imprisonment in Northern Ireland and the sentence was passed in England and Wales or Scotland. (2) Where the applicant is serving a sentence of imprisonment for a fixed term, the Commissioners shall grant the application if (and only if)—

  1. (a) the sentence is for a term of at least five years,
  2. (b) the sentence was passed for an offence equivalent to a qualifying offence, and
  3. (c) the second and third conditions in section 3 are satisfied.

(3) Where the applicant is serving a sentence of imprisonment for life, the Commissioners shall grant the application if (and only if)—

  1. (a) the sentence was passed for an offence equivalent to a qualifying offence, and
  2. (b) the second, third and fourth conditions in section 3 are satisfied.