HC Deb 02 November 1992 vol 213 cc78-9W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 19 October,Official Report, column 287, which person will have the authority to cancel the supervision condition in a former prisoner's licence under the terms of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Bill [Lords]; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Under clause 12(3) of the Bill, it is the Secretary of State who has authority to cancel the supervision conditions in a former prisoner's licence. He must, however, consult the board before doing so in the case of a long-term prisoner; and may only do so in respect of a discretionary life prisoner in accordance with the recommendations of the board.

Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many men are serving life sentences in Scottish prisons.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

As at Thursday 29 October 1992, there were 451 males, including both adults and young offenders, serving life sentences in Scottish prisons.

Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many and what percentage of prisoners serving life sentences were released on licence in each of the past five years; and if he will give the numbers in percentages.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The numbers of life sentence prisoners releases on licence and as percentages of the total life sentence prisoner population are as follows:

Released Percentage
1987 21 5.2
1988 12 2.7
1989 34 7.8
1990 29 6.7
1991 29 6.6

Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of(a) men and (b) women imprisoned in Scotland.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

As at 23 October 1992, the number of(a) men and (b) women imprisoned in Scotland, including those held on remand was:

Men Women
Adults 4,058 134
Young Offenders 1,128 19
Total Population 5,186 153

Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many prisoners serving life sentences, released on licence from Scottish prisons, are recalled back into prison; and if he will give that number as a percentage of those released.

Project Description Companies invited to tender Unsolicited bids Contract awarded to Contract value (excluding VAT) Contract length (years)
£
Historic Scotland Financial Accounting System 17 0 McKeown software 433,000 5
Directorate of Administrative Services Directory production and enquiry System 5 0 Axiom Business Computers 25,000 5

Note: Both contracts included the supply of hardware and software.