HL Deb 17 January 1989 vol 503 c228WA
Lord Hunt

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many prisoners convicted of murder have been released since 1966.

Earl Ferrers

Comprehensive information for 1966 to 1975 is not readily available and the available information is given in the table.

Prisoners first discharged1 from Prison Service establishments in England and Wales from a life sentence for murder: by year and type of first discharge. 1976–87
Year of first discharge On licence number Other2
1976 50 10
1977 46 10
1978 69 25
1979 62 16
1980 33 20
1981 57 18
1982 79 24
1983 83 17
1984 52 31
1985 51 23
1986 35 35
1987 44 39
1Excluding persons discharged on a second or subsequent occasion having been recalled following the first release on licence.
2Successful appeals, transfers to psychiatric hospitals or other non-Prison Service establishments or outside England and Wales and deaths.