Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average prison sentence served by persons released from prison in 1972 after serving life sentences.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThree persons serving life sentences, including one sentenced to be detained during Her Majesty's pleasure, were released from Scottish prisons during 1972, having served eight years three months, 10 years and 10 years three months.
On 31st December 1972 there were still in custody 18 persons who had served more than eight years. One of these has since been released.