§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the date special category status was abolished, how many prisoners were serving life sentences; and how many of these were in the loyalist compounds.
§ Mr. ConcannonSpecial category status has not been granted to persons who have committed offences after 28th February 1976. On that date there were 113 prisoners serving life sentences and 23 young persons detained during the Secretary of State's pleasure under section 73 of the Children and Young Persons Act (Northern Ireland) 1968. Of these, 57 prisoners and three young persons claimed connection with Loyalist organisations.