HC Deb 31 January 1980 vol 977 c717W
Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the procedures for announcing to the press and public that named prisoners are being released from goal.

Mr. Whitelaw

My Department does not announce the release of named prisoners except in some instances of the exercise of the Royal Prerogative—and then never in advance of release. This policy is based on the need to protect the privacy of the individual concerned.