Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the persons released from prison in Northern Ireland for summer and Christmas parole receive any social security benefits during their stay at home; and, if so, how many have done so during 1975 and 1976.
§ Mr. ConcannonPrisoners granted summer and Christmas parole do not qualify for social security benefits. If, however, the prisoner's dependants or the relatives with whom he will be staying are already in receipt of supplementary benefit the award may be increased to take account of the prisoner's presence. I will write to the hon. Member on the number of cases where increases were made to supplementary benefit awards.