Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many of the prisoners transferred from England and Wales to Northern Ireland since 1st January 1974 have been given special category status; what were the grounds in each case; how many have applied for such status and been refused; and what were the grounds for refusal;
(2) whether the Price sisters have been granted special category status in Armagh Jail; and, if so, on what grounds.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesSpecial category status may be granted to prisoners who are serving sentences of at least nine months' imprisonment for offences connected with the civil disturbances. Five of the seven prisoners who have been permanently transferred from Great Britain to Northern Ireland since January 1974, including the Price sisters, applied for this status. All of these applications have been granted.