HC Deb 25 November 1977 vol 939 c928W
Mr. Grocott

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average period of time which prisoners recommended for deportation have spent in Pentonville Prison between the date of completion of sentence and the date of actual deportation.

Mr. John

There is considerable variation in the circumstances of those held to await deportation after serving custodial sentences. Examination of records of the 74 people discharged from Pentonville Prison in the first half of 1977 shows that a quarter of those recommended for deportation spent less than 21 days in custody between the completion of their sentence and their deportation, a half spent 43 days or less, and three-quarters spent 63 days or less. Examination of the records over a longer period would involve disproportionate cost.

Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the prison population took public examinations in 1976.

Mr. John

Eleven per cent., including both adult and young offenders.