§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions within the last period for which figures are available a prisoner has been granted (a) compassionate leave or (b) early release on compassionate grounds by him or his predecessors; and on how many occasions such leave or release has been refused.
§ Mr. BrittanBetween 1 January 1970 and 31 December 1979, 58 prisoners were granted early release on compassionate grounds by the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy. None of the other information requested is available.