§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why, following the report of the Inter-Departmental Committee and the hearing of certain cases for judicial review, there has been such a long delay in resuming the transfer of prisoners 34WA between jurisdictions, especially between England and Northern Ireland.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)Following legal challenges which have been mounted by some prisoners who have been temporarily transferred to Northern Ireland, it was necessary to obtain and consider detailed legal advice in consultation with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Decisions on outstanding requests were determined as quickly as possible in the light of that advice.