§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government: When they will give a decision on an application for the release on licence of a female prisoner in Armagh Prison, submitted by her solicitor in early January, 1982 and raised in a letter, from a Member of this House to the Minister responsible, dated 16th March, 1982.
The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (The Earl of Gowrie)No prisoner serving a fixed sentence in Northern Ireland can e released on licence: release before 50 per cent. of a fixed sentence has been served is exceptional and requires the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of mercy. The case to which the noble Lord refers has been under continuous review for some time in the light of all relevant considerations, to see if it would be necessary and proper to recommend the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of mercy. I hope to let the noble Lord know the conclusions of the current stage of this review within a week or so.