§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is his policy in relation to periods of temporary release of unescorted high-risk prisoners from top security gaols; when the policy was last reviewed; and if he will make a statement; [40542]
(2) what policy is followed when an unescorted high-risk prisoner is given temporary release in relation to procedures for informing airports to be used by the prisoner and the police force in the area into which he will be travelling; and if he will make a statement. [40543]
§ Sir John WheelerThis is a matter for the Prison Service under its chief executive, Mr. Alan Shannon. I have asked him to reply.
749WLetter from Alan Shannon to Mr. Alfred Morris, dated 14 October 1996:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to the two Parliamentary Questions you tabled about the policy in relation to periods of temporary release of unescorted high risk prisoners.There are two schemes under which high risk prisoners are regularly considered for short periods of temporary release. These are:
- the compassionate temporary release scheme which allows prisoners to visit immediate relatives who are very seriously ill or to attend their funerals;
- the home visit scheme which allows prisoners who have served at least 6 years to visit immediate relatives who are non-ambulant and have been unable to visit the prisoner for a period of at least 18 months in the first instance.
High risk prisoners may also be considered for leaves which are available to prisoners nearing the end of sentence. These are the pre-release home leave scheme, the seven day allowance scheme for prisoners who served in excess of 11 years and the Christmas home leave scheme which is available to prisoners who have served in excess of 11 years or are in their final year of sentence.Prison Service Headquarters is responsible for approving all applications under the compassionate leave scheme and home visit scheme. In addition Prison Service Headquarters is responsible for approving the first instance of leave under the other schemes. These applications are considered very carefully and will be refused if it is felt there is a significant risk of absconding or danger to the prisoner or the public.The last major change in procedures was in 1983 when the compassionate release scheme was suspended for 6 months after two paramilitary prisoners failed to return from a period of leave. Since then, until the recent abscond, no high risk prisoner has failed to return to prison from leave or has been charged with criminal offences arising out of behaviour while on leave.It is standard practice to inform the Royal Ulster Constabulary of the temporary release of all prisoners.