§ Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of those eligible for parole failed to apply in the last year for which figures are available; and how this compares with the figures for each of the previous five years.
§ Mr. HurdPrisoners do not have to apply for parole: they are considered automatically at the appropriate times unless they decline to be considered.
In 1983 5.4 per cent. declined. The comparable figures for the previous five years were:
percentage 1982 6.0 1981 6.1 1980 6.4 1979 6.1 1978 6.0