Mr. Wm Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have absconded in Northern Ireland in 1977 to date when they were released from prison or police custody to attend the funerals of, or to visit, seriously ill relations; how many of these persons were charged with or convicted of terrorist-type offences; and how many were from RUC divisions N, O and P.
§ Mr. ConcannonNone.
Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have been released from prison or police custody to attend funerals or to visit seriously ill relatives in each of 253W the following years: 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977 to date; and how many in each year were charged with or convicted of terrorist-type offences.
§ Mr. ConcannonPrison records do not separately identify persons convicted of terrorist offences. However, all special category prisoners have been convicted of offences connected with the civil disturbances and committed before 1st March 1976.
The following were granted compassionate leave from prisons:
Persons in police custody are not normally granted such leave.
Total Special Category (included in total) 1974 … 83 52 1975 … 193 149 1976 … 201 170 1977 (to 22nd June) … 69 55