§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the reasons why persons imprisoned for non-payment of community charge are not entitled to remission.
§ Mr. Peter LloydTo qualify for remission a person has to be serving a term of imprisonment which under section 104(1) of the Criminal Justice act 1967 does not include "a committal in default to payment of any sum of money". Nor is the royal prerogative of mercy used to grant special remission in respect of civil cases.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds criminals in prison are given remission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydRemission of sentence is governed by the prison rules 1964. In general terms remission is granted on the grounds of a prisoner's industry and good conduct. The royal prerogative of mercy may also be used to grant special remission on exceptional grounds, including the recognition of assistance given to the authorities or for urgent compassionate reasons.