HC Deb 23 December 1982 vol 34 cc670-1W
13. Mr. Stanbrook

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons who have served prison sentences for terrorist offences in Northern Ireland have been subsequently convicted of similar offences.

Mr. John Patten

The available information comes from random samples of prisoners sentenced for scheduled offences who were discharged in 1977 and 1979. This suggests that 8 per cent. of those released were reconvicted of scheduled offences within two years. Earlier or more comprehensive figures could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.