§ 56. Mr. Clayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions since 1979 he has recommended the exercise of the Royal prerogative of mercy in respect of persons convicted of criminal offences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorFollowing is the information:
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Exercise of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy 1 January 1979 to 30 November 1986 Year Remission of sentence (including fines) Free Pardon Total 1979 367 136 503 1980 273 282 555 1981 219 168 387 1982 229 84 313 1983 192 143 335 1984 98 60 158 1985 141 92 233 19861 106 24 130 Total 1,625 989 2,614 1 To 30 November. Notes:
1. In most of the cases where the royal prerogative has been exercised, action was taken on grounds other than those affecting the original conviction, for example, a reward for assistance to the authorities, tragic family circumstances, terminal illness of prisoner.
2. The great majority of free pardons granted relate to road traffic convictions in the magistrates' courts.
3. Figures relate to the number of defendants in respect of whom action was taken.