§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the latest parole figures for Scotland, with particular reference to the increase from three killers released before serving their full sentence in 1970, to 47 such killers in 1979.
§ Mr. YoungerIn terms of section 61 of the Criminal Justice Act 1967 the decision on the release on licence of prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment rests with the Secretary of State, after consultation with the judiciary. though the decision may not be acted on unless the parole board recommends release. The licence remains104W in force for the rest of the prisoner's life and he may be recalled at any time.
The reference to three and 47 cases in the annual report of the parole board of Scotland for 1979 refers to cases considered for future release on successful completion of a pre-release programme. The number of life sentence prisoners actually released in 1970 was three, and in 1979, 21. The difference in the figures between 1970 and 1979 reflects a difference in the number of persons who in past periods had been sentenced to imprisonment for life.