§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, of those prisoners who died from natural causes in each of the years 1981 to 1985, respectively, how many applied for early release on the grounds of such illness; how many such applications were granted and refused, respectively; and how many of such refusals were referred to him for futher consideration.
§ Mr. MellorInformation about the number of cases in which the royal prerogative of mercy was exercised to allow a terminally-ill prisoner to be released early was given in answer to the hon. and learned Member's question of 12 March, at columns 466–67. The other information requested is not immediately available, but I will see what relevant information can be obtained and I shall write to the hon. and learned Member.
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§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) by what methods he is making sure that cases of terminally-ill prisoners needing urgent consideration are clearly identified;
(2) by whom case workers in the criminal department have been reminded of the need to give cases of prisoners who are terminally-ill urgent and sympathetic consideration; and whether he will place a copy of such reminder in the Library;
(3) when he proposes to give a reminder to prison department establishments of the need to give urgent and sympathetic consideration to cases involving the release of terminally-ill prisoners on similar lines to the reminder given to case workers in the criminal department.
§ Mr. MellorI would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer given yesterday to his related questions on the subject of terminally-ill prisoners.
§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the estimated population of untried prisoners in Prison Department establishments in England and Wales on 19 April, or the latest date for which figures are available, by length of time since initial reception into custody.
§ Mr. Mellor[pursuant to his reply, 28 April 1986, c. 304]: The information is given in the table.
Estimated population* of untried prisoners in Prison Department Establishments in England and Wales on 28 February 1986. Length of time since initial remand in custody.† Estimated number‡ Up to 3 months 5,250 Over 3, up to 6 months 1,800 Over 6, up to 9 months 600 Over 9, up to 12 months 200 Over 12 months 60 Total 7,920 * Based on records held centrally which are approximate, detailed checking of individual cases would involve disproportionate cost. † Including any time which may have been spent on bail after the initial remand in custody. ‡ Rounded estimates; the components do not add to the total because they have been rounded independently.