§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many persons are currently serving sentences in prisons in Scotland for Irish Republican Army terrorist offences; and what is the average length of these sentences;
(2) how many persons are at present on trial in Scotland for alleged Irish Republican Army terrorist offences.
(3) how many persons are at present remanded in custody in Scotland for alleged Irish Republican Army terrorist offences; and how long each of them has been on remand;
(4) how many persons sentenced in Scotland for Irish Republican Army terrorist offences have been transferred to prisons in Northern Ireland;
255W(5) how many persons are currently serving sentences in prisons in Scotland for offences in connection with the Northern Ireland troubles; and what is the average length of these sentences.
§ Mr. Harry EwingNo person is at present serving a sentence of imprisonment, on trial or remanded in custody in Scotland in respect of offences or alleged offences under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1974, and no person imprisoned for such an offence has been transferred to a prison in Northern Ireland. Except as provided in the 1974 Act there is no separate category of terrorist offences and prisoners and accused persons are not classified by reference to the political or other motivation of offences.