HC Deb 14 October 1975 vol 897 c678W
Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce methods for implementing parole for prisoners which include the right to appeal to an independent tribunal every 12 months and the provisions of grounds in the cases of rejection.

Dr. Summerskill

Every eligible prisoner is considered for parole at least every 12 months by a local review committee, which includes members independent of the prison, unless he exercises his right to opt out.

The Parole Board itself is an independent statutory body. The question of giving reasons for the refusal of parole involves a number of difficulties but has been under consideration and is currently being discussed by the Home Office and the Parole Board.