§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons are currently serving prison sentences for terrorist activities; and what is the approximate weekly cost of keeping these prisoners in gaol.
§ Mr. John PattenPrison statistics do not separately identify those prisoners serving sentences for offences related to terrorist activities. However, of a total of 2,154 sentenced prisoners in custody on 27 June 1982 it is believed that just over 1,600—just over 75 per cent. —were serving sentences for terrorist-type offences.
The cost of maintaining these particular prisoners cannot be separately identified, but the approximate average weekly cost of keeping a person in prison in Northern Ireland during the year 1980–81—excluding capital costs—was £358.
§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons convicted of terrorist activity since 1969 have now completed their sentence.
§ Mr. John PattenThis information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, during the period 1 January 1977 to 16 May 1982, 3,693 persons were released from sentences imposed for scheduled offences.