§ Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners serving life sentences were imprisoned in open prisons in England and Wales on 1st November 1973 ; and what is his estimate of the number each year up to 1980.
§ Mr. Carlisle46. It is not possible to estimate precisely the number who will be considered suitable for open conditions in future years but it is likely that by 1980 there will be between 100 and 150.
§ Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what criteria life-sentence prisoners are selected for transfer to open prisons for the last few years of their sentences.
§ Mr. CarlisleEach individual case is considered on its merits and no such transfer is made until a full study of the prisoner's history and offence, together with reports, including medical reports, on his behaviour and progress in prison, and of his prospects for release, confirm that he is suitable and ready for open conditions.