HC Deb 08 March 1996 vol 273 cc405-6W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the names of those convicted of similar offences to Mr. Abdul Quaayum Raja (c48348) who have(a) received reductions in their security categories, (b) been guaranteed home leave and (c) granted parole; and if he will make a statement. [19775]

Miss Widdecombe

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter front Richard Tilt to Mr. Max Madden, dated 8 March 1996:

The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking for a list of names of those convicted of similar offences to Mr. Abdul Quaayum Raja who have (a) received reductions in their security categories, (b) been guaranteed home leave and (c) granted parole.

A prisoner's security category is reviewed on a strictly individual basis and decisions are taken in the light of all the particular circumstances of the individual case. Comparisons with the cases of other prisoners is not therefore appropriate or useful in determining the security category of an individual prisoner.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will disclose to solicitors representing Abdul Quaayum Raja (C 48348)(a) reports and documentation on which the Security Category Review Committee reached conclusions about Mr. Raja's dedication to a political cause, (b) the full summary of the committee's June 1995 decision concerning Mr. Raja and (c) any new documentation available for Mr. Raja's 1996 review; and if he will make a statement. [19477]

Miss Widdecombe

[holding answer 7 March 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Max Madden, dated 8 March 1996:

The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about disclosure to solicitors representing Abdul Quaayum Raja of (a) any reports or documentation on which the Security Category Review Committee reached conclusions about Mr. Raja's dedication to a political cause, (b) the full summary of the Committee's June 1995 decision concerning Mr. Raja and (c) any new documentation available for Mr. Raja's 1996 review.

It is not the policy of the Prison Service to provide prisoners or their representatives with copies of reports prepared for the purposes of security category reviews. In accordance with the judgement, in December 1993, in the case of Regina v the Secretary of State for the Home Department, ex parte Duggan, a prisoner is, subject to any necessary exceptions arising out of the public interest immunity, informed of the gist of any matter of fact and/or opinion relevant to the determination of his security category; and given reasons for any decision which results in him remaining as a category A prisoner.

Mr. Raja's security category was last reviewed by the Category A Committee on 21 June 1995. The Committee's recommendation, which was subsequently approved by the Prison Service Director of Security, was that Mr. Raja should remain as a category A prisoner. The reasons for this decision were notified to Mr. Raja on 25 September 1995.

Arrangements for the 1996 review of Mr. Raja's security category are underway and reports have recently been requested from Long Lartin prison. He will in due course be provided with a gist of all information relevant to the determination of his security category and given an opportunity to comment before any decision is taken.