§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) men and (b) women currently serving a life prison sentence have been informed they will never be released from prison; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. Friend has not informed any life prisoner that he or she will never be released from prison. A mandatory life prisoner may be released only on the recommendation of the Parole Board and after consultation with the judiciary. My right hon. Friend takes into account both risk to the public and criminal justice factors in deciding whether and when to refer any case to the Parole Board for its recommendation. Any recommendation made by the sentencing judge in open court as to the minimum period the prisoner should serve, including a natural life recommendation, would be a significant but not binding factor.