HC Deb 23 March 1994 vol 240 cc327-8W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what criteria he uses when deciding which prisoners may be granted Christmas leave; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 17 March 1994]: Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Scottish Prison Service under its Chief Executive Mr. E. W. Frizzell. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from E. W. Frizzell to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 23 March 1994:

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton has asked me to reply to your Question on the criteria he uses when deciding which prisoners are to be granted Christmas leave.

Prisoners and Young Offenders who have been allocated Security Category D, the lowest category, and are detained at open establishments or Training for Freedom Hostels attached to prisons are eligible for consideration for Christmas leave. Decisions on individual cases are a matter for Governors of each establishment who take into account the following:

  1. 1. The nature of the offence.
  2. 2. The prisoner's attitude to the offence.
  3. 3. The prisoner's conduct and industry during the preceding 6 months.
  4. 4. The home conditions and stability of the prisoner's relationship with his family.
  5. 5. The views and likely effect on known victims and the community.