§ 19. Mr. Molyneauxasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on progress in phasing out special category status in Her Majesty's prisons in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ConcannonThe rundown in the number of special category prisoners continues. At the end of February 1976, there were 1,535 such prisoners, including 60 women; now there are 708, including 13 women. The policy of phasing out special category is working. The Government will not be deflected from this policy, and I trust that the House will give its firm backing to Her Majesty's Government on this important and vital issue.