§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners serving life sentences have been granted parole or released on licence during the past 20 years in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. CopeA total of 122 life sentence prisoners have been released on licence since 1 January 1970. Forty-nine prisoners detained at the Secretary of State's pleasure were released on licence in the same period.
There is no system of parole for prisoners in Northern Ireland but there is provision for granting a few hours' compassionate home leave in the event of the death or critical illness of a member of the prisoner's immediate family. In addition, prisoners who have served a substantial period of their sentences may be eligible for short periods of summer and Christmas home leave.