§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Mr. T. Dan Smith is being paroled 12 months before the normal time; and to what extent persons in politics and public affairs have requested this earlier release from custody.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesMr. T. Dan Smith became eligible for parole in April 1976 when he had completed the statutory minimum period of his sentence. I have agreed to his release in March 1977, following a recommendation to this effect from the Parole Board. A statement of the criteria used in parole cases is available in the Library. It would not be right to disclose in any individual case details of representations which may have been made. No representations of any sort have been made to me and the final decision is mine.