§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when officials in the criminal department dealing with cases of terminally ill prisoners were reminded orally by their line managers of the need to take particular and urgent care in the consideration of such prisoners;
(2) when officials in the criminal department dealing with cases of terminally ill prisoners were reminded in writing by their line managers of the need to take particular and urgent care in the consideration of such prisoners; and whether he will supply a copy of the letter concerned to the hon. and learned Member for Leicester, West;
(3) further to his answer of 4 June to the hon. and learned Member for Leicester, West, by whom officials dealing with the review of decisions on special revision were instructed that no undue delay was to be allowed to occur in reviewing cases; how such instruction was given, and when; and if he will supply a copy of such instructions to the hon. and learned Member for Leicester, West.
§ Mr. MellorOfficials who deal with these cases have always been fully aware of the need to treat them with compassion and urgency. From time to time they are reminded of this orally by their line managers in work discussions and in connection with the consideration of individual cases. In addition, specific reminders about the handling of these cases were issued on 20 December 1985 and 30 May 1986. We do not think it right to make available internal minutes of this kind.