HC Deb 22 May 1974 vol 874 c208W
Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will consider the reimplementation of the system of bi-yearly parole to all prisoners presently held in Her Majesty's prisons in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The Christmas and summer parole leave schemes are still operating. Detainees are not eligible.

Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will consider the introduction of the system of parole eligibility in Northern Ireland prisons to bring them into line with the rest of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The introduction in Northern Ireland of a parole board on the lines of that operating in England and Wales is being considered.

Mr. Stallard

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what criteria are used to determine parole applications for prisoners in Northern Ireland prisons and camps; and what is the statutory basis for these criteria.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The statutory authority for the granting of parole leave stems from Section 13(l)(c) of the Prison Act (Northern Ireland) 1953 and Rule 117 of the Prison Rules (Northern Ireland) 1954. I will write to my hon. Friend about the circumstances in which parole is granted.