HC Deb 03 November 1983 vol 47 c444W
Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if it is his policy to keep terms of imprisonment in the Province in line with those recently proposed for England and Wales.

Mr. Prior

The length of prison sentences, subject to the maxima prescribed by law, and to the mandatory life sentence for murder, is a matter for the courts. I shall deal with the life sentence cases for which I am responsible in a way which fully reflects their gravity as well as the special circumstances of Northern Ireland. I shall consider the proposals relating to other sentences in England and Wales in the light of those special circumstances and of the different statutory provisions in the Province.