§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the criteria that have to be established and the procedures that have to be completed before the Royal Prerogative of mercy is used to release prisoners who are ill.
§ Mr. MellorMy right hon. and learned Friend is prepared to consider recommending the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy to remit the remainder of a sentence in cases of prisoners who are ill if the prisoner is in the terminal stages of an illness and is expected to die in the near future, or is likely to be bedridden or seriously incapacitated up to the date on which the prisoner would be released in the normal course, or it appears that continued imprisonment would endanger life, provided in every case that the risk of further crime is past, that there are adequate facilities for the prisoner's care and treatment outside prison, and that early release would bring some benefit to the prisoner or his family. Each case is decided on its own merits. Medical reports and welfare reports are obtained and taken fully into account.