§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special category A Irish prisoners have been transferred from a jail in England and Wales to a jail in Northern Ireland during the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNone, but one is awaiting transfer.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many requests for transfers to jails764W in Northern Ireland are currently outstanding from prisoners who are serving their sentences in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNineteen requests for permanent transfer and nine for temporary transfer to Northern Ireland are awaiting a final decision.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of time taken to process a request for transfer to a jail in Northern Ireland from a prisoner who is currently serving his or her sentence in England or Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggApproximately 13 weeks.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a decision has yet been made about the application for transfer to a jail in Northern Ireland from prisoner 463799 (McCartney); and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNo. A decision will be reached as soon as possible.