HC Deb 21 March 1984 vol 56 cc496-7W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, of people who are in prison because of supergrass evidence, how many have been remanded in prison for (a) three months, (b) six months, (c) nine months, (d) 12 months (e) 15 months (f) 18 months (g) 21 months (h) 24 months (i) 27 months and (j) 30 months; and, of these people, how many have been convicted, acquitted or have actually gone to trial.

Mr. Prior

[pursuant to his reply, 16 March 1984, c. 310]: The information is not available in the form requested. However, as at 19 Februray 1984, the periods spent on remand by persons awaiting trial on charges in which the evidence of an accomplice featured wholly or in part, were as follows:

Number of months on remand Number of persons
0–3 months 9
Over 3 up to 6 months 17
Over 6 up to 9 months 15
Over 9 up to 12 months 9
Over 12 up to 15 months 12
Over 15 up to 18 months 21
Over 18 up to 21 months
Over 21 up to 24 months 5
Over 24 None

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, of people who are in prison on scheduled offences since the passing of the Act awaiting trial, how many have been remanded for (a) three months (b) six months (c) nine months (d) 12 months (e) 15 months (f) 18 months (g) 21 months (h) 24 months (i) 27 months and (j) 30 months; and, of these people, how many have been convicted, acquitted or have actually gone to trial.

Mr. Prior

[pursuant to his reply, 16 March 1984, c. 310]: The information is not available in the form requested. However, as at 26 February 1984 the periods spend on remand by persons awaiting trial for scheduled offences were as follows:

Number of months on remand Number of persons
Less than 3 months 91
3 months and less than 6 months 57
6 months and less than 9 months 70
9 months and less than 12 months 33
12 months and less than 15 months 15
15 months and less than 18 months 34
18 months and less than 21 months 12
21 months and less than 24 months 5
24 months and less than 27 months
27 months and less than 30 months 1
30 months and over 4
322

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, of people who have been arrested on supergrass evidence which was later withdrawn, how many have been remanded in prison; and for what duration of time on a monthly basis.

Mr. Prior

[pursuant to his reply, 16 March 1984, c. 310]: The information is not available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.