HC Deb 28 July 1997 vol 299 cc3-4W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish a system whereby released prisoners who have served long sentences prior to the Court of Appeal finding them to have been wrongfully convicted may receive counselling and other help in making necessary readjustments following their release. [7399]

Mr. Michael

[holding answer 14 July 1997]: Following their release from prison in any circumstances, the responsibility for meeting the health care needs of individuals lies with the national health service. It is open to anyone wishing to receive counselling support following release to seek a referral through his or her general practitioner. Alternatively, in cases of wrongful conviction where it has been established that an individual qualifies for payment of compensation, he or she may apply for an interim payment to help alleviate any immediate financial difficulties or to pay for private counselling or other care. Prison Service discharge procedures include giving prisoners advice about the support services available to them and the probation service is expected to provide resettlement advice or help to released prisoners who ask for it.