§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many cases have so far been considered by the Parole Board: and how many cases are on the waiting list;
(2) what plans he has for speeding up the work of the Parole Board.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe Board, which held its first meeting on 7th November, has so far had 49 cases referred to it. Many other cases are in various stages of consideration either in the prisons or in the Home Office, but it is too early to say how many will be referred to the Board. The machinery for preparing cases for reference is being kept under review.
§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what administrative help is available to the Parole Board in the conduct of their task;
(2) what further secretarial and expert assistance is required by the Parole 112W Board; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe Board has a senior executive officer from my Department as secretary and appropriate clerical and typing assistance. It is free to request advice or information from officers of the Department or from local review committees as it requires. I have not received any representations about the adequacy of these arrangements.