§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the proposals of the Kincraig committee were implemented; what considerations underlie the timetable for their revocation; and if he will make a statement. [1497]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe changes in the law governing early release of prisoners, which arose from the Government's consideration of the review of parole conducted by the committee chaired by the hon. Lord Kincraig, were enacted in the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993. The early release provisions of that Act came into force on 1 October 1993 and will continue to apply to prisoners sentenced since that date.
In his announcement issued on 12 October 1995 my right hon. Friend outlined proposals for further changes to the law on early release which will be the subject of consultation in the near future. The Government's detailed proposals, including the possible timescale for their implementation, will be contained in a White Paper which we aim to publish next year in the light of the results of consultation. The intention is that changes in legislation on early release arising from these proposals would apply only to those sentenced on or after the date the changes came into effect.