§ Lord Spensasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the function of "C3(a) Division" of the Home Office.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)The principal functions of C3 Division are;
- (i) to assist Ministers in discharging the Home Secretary's duties and powers under mental health legislation in relation to offenders who are detained in psychiatric hospitals whose leave, transfer or discharge is subject to Home Office consent, and to co-ordinate the development of policies designed to improve the response of the criminal justice system to mentally disordered offenders; and
- (ii) to assist Ministers in discharging the Home Secretary's responsibilities in relation to the Royal Prerogative of Mercy, references to the Court of Appeal under Section 17 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968, and the payment of compensation to persons who are wrongfully convicted.