HC Deb 15 May 1991 vol 191 cc187-8W
Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the cases dealt with by the Parole Board (i) in 1990 and (ii) so far in the current year, were considered by the local review committee(a) six to 12 months previously, (b) three to six months previously and (c) up to three months previously.

Mrs. Rumbold

These statistics are not recorded centrally in this form and could not be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases were dealt with by the Parole Board (i) in 1990 and (ii) so far in the current year; what percentage of prisoners had passed their parole eligibility date at the time of the deliberations; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

In 1990 the Parole Board considered some 7,400 determinate sentence cases; so far this year it has dealt with about 2,700. The detailed statistics sought on the timeliness of board deliberations are not available. There are not any general delays, but occasionally cases are held up for reasons beyond our control, such as late changes in inmates' circumstances.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners who were dealt with by the Parole Board in 1990 received their decision after their earliest date of release; what was the average delay; and what percentages of the decisions were positive.

Mrs. Rumbold

These statistics could not be provided without incurring disproportionate costs. However, it is rare for a parole decision to be delayed until after an inmate's earliest date of release.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department of all cases dealt with by the Parole Board (i) in 1990 and (ii) so far in the current year, how many have had the home circumstances report completed(a) over 12 months previously, (b) six to 12 months previously and (c) three to six months previously; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

This information is not collated centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The probation service is under standing instructions to provide updates on any changes to inmates's domestic circumstances or release plans. A letter has been circulated to all chief probation officers reminding them of the crucial importance of timely home circumstances reports to the parole process.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many instances of alleged maladministration or other complaints about parole dossiers have been reported by the Parole Board during the last two years.

Mrs. Rumbold

The Parole Board has not raised any specific cases with me.