HC Deb 12 March 1986 vol 93 cc466-7W
Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were diagnosed as suffering from terminal illness, while serving sentences in prisons in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, respectively, during each of the past five years for which records are available; in each such year, how many of such prisoners were discharged by reason of their terminal illness; and how many of such persons who were released and not released, respectively, were young offenders.

Mr. Mellor

In 1985 in England and Wales eight people were released early from their sentences by exercise of the royal prerogative of mercy on the compassionate grounds that they were fatally ill. One was a young offender. In the preceding four years the figures were: 1980, seven (including one young offender released from borstal); 1981, four; 1982, three; 1983, five; and 1984, two (including one young offender). The other information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Information regarding other parts of the United Kingdom should be sought from my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to whom reports of the diagnosis of terminally ill inmates in prisons and in young offenders' institutions, respectively, are made; and when and by whom they are made.

Mr. Mellor

Prison standing orders require the medical officer of an establishment to submit a report if he is of the opinion that the illness of any prisoner is likely to terminate fatally within a brief period; that the risk of further crime is past; that the prisoner is in a fit state to be moved; and that there is reason to believe that he has relatives or friends who will be able and willing to take care of him if he is released. The report is submitted to the director of prison medical services, with a copy to the criminal department, so that consideration may be given to the prisoner's early release.