HC Deb 16 March 1995 vol 256 c663W
24. Mr. Trimble

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the practice with regard to the early release of prisoners.

Sir John Wheeler

There is no general practice of early release for prisoners. Those convicted by the courts and given sentences of imprisonment will serve their sentences according to the law. Individual prisoners may he released early by exercise of the royal prerogative, but this power will be used only in exceptional circumstances such as when a prisoner is terminally ill or has given assistance to the prison authorities or the police.