§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when John Blair, detained in Her Majesty's prison Wakefield, applied to be repatriated to the Republic of Ireland; [28447]
(2) on what date John Blair, detained in Her Majesty's prison Wakefield, applied to be transferred to another prison; and when a decision is to be taken on his application. [28448]
§ Miss Widdecombe[holding answer 7 May 1996]: Mr. Blair, who is at present serving a prison sentence in Wakefield prison, registered an interest in repatriation to the Republic of Ireland in November of last year, when detained at Whitemoor prison. His case is at present under consideration.
Mr. Blair has not applied formally to transfer to another prison in England or Wales, so this information cannot be provided. Mr. Blair requested a transfer verbally and his request will be considered as soon as a vacancy arises.