Paroles (Hansard, 10 March 1977)

§ Mr. Grocott
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will alter the parole system so that prisoners who are refused parole are given reasons for the refusal; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. John
We hope that a satisfactory way will be found for prisoners who are refused parole to be given an indication of the reasons for the decision. It is a problem with no easy solution; the difficulties were set out clearly in the Parole Board's Annual Report for 1975. The Board has been conducting a limited experiment, and we look forward to receiving its recommendations.

§ Mr. Grocott
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of first-time inmates are given parole.

§ Mr. John
Of those eligible for parole, about 60 per cent.

§ Mr. Grocott
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of (a) first-time, (b) second-time, (c) third-time and (d) fourth-time applicants for parole in 1976 had their requests granted.

§ Mr. John
Following are provisional figures in respect of prisoners eligible for parole in 1976:

1 2 3 4

Review number Eligible cases^* Number of cases where parole granted Percentage of eligible cases where parole granted

1 8,131 3,711 45.6

2 2,110 1,079 51.1

3 347 145 41.8

4 103 29 28.2

^* Including altogether 600 eligible prisoners who exercised their right not to be considered.

1	2	3	4
Review number	Eligible cases^*	Number of cases where parole granted	Percentage of eligible cases where parole granted
1	8,131	3,711	45.6
2	2,110	1,079	51.1
3	347	145	41.8
4	103	29	28.2
^* Including altogether 600 eligible prisoners who exercised their right not to be considered.