§ 26. Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further steps he proposes to take to reduce the prison population.
§ Mr. HurdMy right hon. and learned Friend is laying the necessary order to reduce from 12 months to 6 months the minimum qualifying period of custody before a prisoner can be released on parole.
He is also examining ways of reducing the number of fine defaulters, those convicted of offences of drunkenness, and mentally disordered offenders in prison.