§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what criteria he arranges for convicted criminals to be sent to open prisons; and if he will make a statement.
208W
§ Mr. MellorThe basic criterion for allocation to an open prison is an assessment that the prisoner is suitable for open conditions, having particular regard to the protection of the public. Eligibility for transfer to an open establishment is subject to certain limitations, relating for example to the prisoner's physical and mental condition; and each case is decided individually in the light of the prisoner's character, past record, and present circumstances. Local agreements in some cases further restrict the types of prisoner who may be transferred to particular open establishments.