§ Mr. Iremongerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners convicted of murder have been released from prison in the last five years; what are the names of the prisoners and the dates of their conviction and release in each case; and what considerations govern the release of prisoners convicted of murder.
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§ Mr. R. A. ButlerDuring the five years ending 22nd June, 1960, seventy-nine prisoners who had been convicted of murder were released from prison on licence. I do not think that it would be in the public interest to give their names; they should be left to re-establish themselves without publicity. The periods which they served in prison range from six months to twenty years and can be analysed as follows
5 served for 4 years or less.27 served for more than 4 years and less than 9.29 served for 9 years.17 served for more than 9 years and less than 14.1 served for 20 years.One of those released from prison after serving a total of nine years had been transferred during that period to a mental deficiency institution and was detained in total for twenty-one years.
The factors taken into account in considering how long it is necessary to detain a prisoner serving a sentence of life imprisonment for murder include the circumstances of the offence, the age and character of the offender and his development in detention, and the necessity to protect the public from any prisoner who might be a danger if discharged.