§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) why Mr. Walter Smith, serving five years' imprisonment for a £67,000 robbery, was allowed out of prison to marry Margaret Stonehill of Stratford; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) how many guests who attended the wedding of Prisoner Walter Smith, at Wandsworth Town Hall on Wednesday, 2nd September, 1972, used police Panda cars; how many cars in addition to the Panda cars, the Rover and the police van were used; what petrol and at what costs of public funds and how many police officers were involved, at what costs; and who will meet the costs.
§ Mr. CarlisleThis case fell within the categories for which it is the practice to consider temporary release of a prisoner, under escort if necessary. The time away from prison involved was 35 minutes. My noble Friend has written to the hon. Member to explain the general background.
I am not prepared to disclose details of police deployment. No civilians were carried in police vehicles. The only additional cost falling on police funds was 18p for petrol.