HC Deb 04 December 1987 vol 123 cc726-7W
Mr. Mallon

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners detained at the pleasure of the Secretary of State are currently in Northern Ireland prisons who have now served 10 years, 11 years, 12 years, 13 years or more.

Mr. Stanley

There are at present 37 prisoners in Northern Ireland serving sentences of detention during the pleasure of the Secretary of State. Of these four have served 10 years, seven have served 11 years, 10 have served 12 years and five have served 13 years or more. None has served longer than 14 years.

Mr. Mallon

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners were detained at the Secretary of State's pleasure, and how many released, in 1985, 1986 and 1987.

Mr. Stanley

In 1985, one prisoner was sentenced to detention during the pleasure of the Secretary of State and seven prisoners were released; in 1986 there were no prisoners sentenced in this way and 10 were released; so far in 1987, two prisoners have been sentenced and 10 released.