HC Deb 05 July 1994 vol 246 cc119-20W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Northern Ireland prisoners have received transfers from England and Wales to Northern Ireland since 1 January 1993; and how many were(a) permanent, (b) temporary, (c) male, (d) female, (e) loyalists and (f) republican transfers.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Since 1 January 1993, three male prisoners have been permanently transferred from England and Wales to Northern Ireland and eight male prisoners have been temporarily transferred. In addition, four male prisoners previously temporarily transferred have been granted further periods of temporary transfer in Northern Ireland. No female prisoners have been either permanently or temporarily transferred during this period, and one of the prisoners transferred was convicted of a terrorist offence. It is our policy not to comment on the past or present political affiliations of prisoners.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the greatest, the shortest and the average length of time between application for transfer and notification of the decision to accept or reject the application for temporary or permanent transfer from England and Wales to Northern Ireland.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Transfers of prisoners between United Kingdom jurisdictions have been effected since the introduction of the Criminal Justice Act 1961. The information requested could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long a prisoner whose application for transfer from England and Wales to Northern Ireland is rejected must wait before reapplying.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

A prisoner may apply for transfer to another United Kingdom jurisdiction at any time. Each application will be considered individually and on its own merits under the criteria announced to Parliament on 23 November 1992.