§ Mr. Nelsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the delay between local review committee and Parole Board consideration of parole applications, he will delegate greater powers to local review committees and promote their independence and democracy by improved training programmes.
§ Mr. JohnThe arrangements for the release of prisoners on the recommendation of local review committees without reference to the Parole Board were greatly extended with effect from 1st January 1976. In 1976 it is estimated that nearly 2,000 prisoners—over 40 per cent. of parole releases—were approved in this way. We do not propose further changes at present but shall keep the parole system under review.
§ Mr. Nelsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to improve prisoners' understanding of the parole system; and 715W whether any visual aids are used in explaining how the system works.
§ Mr. JohnAll prisoners eligible for parole receive a copy of a booklet "Parole—Your Questions Answered", a revised version of which has been issued recently, or for those serving life sentences, a booklet "Life Licence—Your Questions Answered". Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. In addition, an information card is placed in each prisoner's cell and one of the duties of prison staff is to help a prisoner to understand the parole system.