§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are taken to protect the public against the commission of further sex crimes through premature release of offenders who have been jailed and have a substantial career of convictions behind them.
§ Dr. SummerskillA prisoner serving a determinate sentence of imprisonment must be released when he has completed the actual term less any remission he has earned for industry and good conduct. As regards the release of prisoners on licence under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice Act 1967, this is not granted otherwise than on the recommendation of 855W the Parole Board and after full consideration of the possible risk to the public.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why was Robert Downie released from prison when he had committed a number of sex offences against young people dating from 1963 and when it was apparent from a subsequent offence that his psychiatric treatment had not proved successful.
§ Dr. SummerskillRobert Downie was released from prison on 16th July 1975 from a sentence of three years' imprisonment imposed on 16th August 1973. He had earned full remission for industry and good conduct as provided by the Prison Rules and he could not be detained in prison any longer on that sentence.