§ Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations have been made to him by Irish political prisoners serving sentences in the United Kingdom regarding discrimination; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make a statement about the treatment of Irish political prisoners serving sentences in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI am responsible for prisons only in England and Wales. There are no political prisoners here; no such status is recognised. Nor is it the policy of the Government to grant it. All convicted prisoners are in prison because the courts have found them guilty of criminal offences—including, for example, multiple murders and the causing of explosions.
I am unable to give details of each and every representation alleging unfair treatment that has been made to me by a prisoner connected with Irish organisations. I am satisfied, however, that these prisoners are not discriminated against. They are treated in accordance with the Prison Rules and Home Office administrative directions relating to convicted prisoners including, where appropriate, the special procedures applied to all prisoners presenting a high security risk.