HC Deb 08 December 1978 vol 959 cc126-7W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is his general policy to allow prisoners to die in prison rather than release them at an early date on humanitarian grounds.

Mr. Merlyn Rees:

It is long-standing practice to consider recommending the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy in the case of a terminally ill prisoner.