§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his policy on home leave for prisoners.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythA comprehensive review of the existing arrangements for home leave and temporary release has recently been completed. As a result of this work, new arrangements, which place greater emphasis on the safety of the public, will be announced shortly.
In the meantime, instructions are being issued to governors that all temporary absence from prison will be subject to a tighter and more rigorous risk assessment. The police and probation service will be consulted about the release of prisoners, particularly those convicted of serious violent offences.
Prisoners who are released temporarily will be subject to spot checks, and those who breach the terms of their licence will be dealt with according to the prison disciplinary system. These changes will be implemented in full by no later than 1 December 1994.