§ Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many female prisoners have been released from prison in England and Wales in each of the last five years and the current year on compassionate and/or medical grounds; of these, in each case, how many were suffering from anorexia nervosa as their principal or only complaint; and, of these, how many subsequently died as a result of that condition;
(2) how many of the female prisoners released from prison in England and Wales on compassionate and medical grounds in each of the last five years and the current year were let out on licence and how many as the result of a pardon; and, in each case, how many are known to be still within the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom courts;
(3) if he will list the crimes for which each of the female prisoners released from prison in England and Wales in each of the last five years and the current year on compassionate and for medical grounds were convicted.
§ Mr. MayhewThe numbers released on each ground and the offences of which the women were convicted were as follows:
Year Medical Grounds Other Compassionate Grounds Offences 1977 1 — Theft Causing grievous bodily harm — 1 1978 Nil Nil Obtaining property or pecuniary advantage by deception 1979 1 — — 1 Theft Forgery; theft; handling stolen property; and soliciting. 1980 — 1 1981 Nil Nil All were released by the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of mercy to remit the remainder of their sentences. None was granted a free pardon or released on 164W licence. None was suffering from anorexia nervosa. No information is available about the present whereabouts of those who may still be alive.