§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has issued a notice of appeal against the High Court judgment concerning the case of Paul Norwey, Stephen Nordone, Sean Kinsella, Noel Gibson and Brendan Dowd; what action he is taking to change procedures concerning discretionary life sentence prisoners applying for parole; and if he will make a statement. [40565]
§ Miss WiddecombeMy right hon and learned Friend has decided not to appeal against the High Court judgment in this case. Arrangements are now in hand to ensure that the cases of discretionary life sentence prisoners are referred to the Parole Board so that they may be heard by a discretionary lifer panel immediately on expiry of the prisoners' tariffs or shortly thereafter. It will be entirely a matter for the panel to decide whether to direct release.