HC Deb 17 April 1980 vol 982 cc725-6W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons convicted of murder in the last year have received minimum recommendation sentences; and how this compares with previous years.

Mr. Alison

There were 20 life sentences imposed in 1979 in which minimum periods to be served were recommended.

The corresponding figures for prior years are as follows:

1970 Nil
1971 Nil
1972 Nil
1973 5
1974 2
1975 1
1976 7
1977 20
1978 17

To date, one has been imposed this year.