HL Deb 28 October 1997 vol 582 cc232-3WA
Baroness David

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made provision for those detained during Her Majesty's Pleasure to have their cases considered by the Parole Board at oral hearings.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

The Parole Board Rules 1997, which were made on 6 October 1997 under Section 32(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, came into force on 6 October. A copy of the Rules has been placed in the Library.

The Rules apply to those detained during Her Majesty's Pleasure and to all discretionary lifers, including those sentenced under Section 2 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997.

Apart from minor changes to statutory references and interpretation, the Rules are identical to their predecessors, the Parole Board Rules 1992.