§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many prisoners are serving sentences following conviction for terrorist activities; how many such prisoners have been(a) released from prison, (b) transferred to prisons in Northern Ireland, (c) repatriated to the Republic of Ireland to complete their sentences and (d) granted compassionate leave in Northern Ireland or the Irish Republic since 1983; and if he will make a statement. [4746]
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 25 November 1996]The subject of the question relates to matters undertaken by the Scottish Prison Service. I have asked its chief executive, Mr. E. W. Frizzell, to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from E. W. Frizzell to Dr. Norman A. Godman, dated 27 November 1996:
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton has asked me to reply to your question relating to the number of prisoners serving sentences following conviction for terrorist activities and their release or transfer to Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland.Currently there are no prisoners held in Scottish prisons convicted of offences under the prevention of Terrorism Act. Two prisoners convicted under this legislation were permanently transferred to Northern Ireland, one in 1991 and the other 1993. The question of whether these prisoners were granted compassionate leave following transfer is a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The information you requested on how many such prisoners have been released from prison is not held centrally.The Republic of Ireland ratified The Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons on 1 November 1995. Since that time no prisoners convicted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act have been repatriated to that country from Scotland.