HC Deb 20 November 1996 vol 285 c580W
16. Mr. Waterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his proposals to make prisoners liable to serve the full terms of their sentences in Scotland. [3474]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The Crime and Punishment (Scotland) Bill will ensure that sentences mean what they say. In future, prisoners will serve the full sentence of imprisonment pronounced by the court, subject to a small measure of early release—not exceeding 12 days every two months—depending on good behaviour in custody.