HC Deb 11 February 1998 vol 306 c263W
16. Mr. Martin Bell

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will assess the advantages of the early release of Guardsmen Fisher and Wright. [26880]

Mr. Ingram

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State considered all aspects of these cases in October 1997 at the five year point in their sentences. She decided that they had not yet served a period that reflected the gravity of the crime they committed and asked that the cases be considered again in October 1998.

27. Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the impact of recent court decisions on the release date of Guardsman Wright. [26892]

Mr. Ingram

On Monday 26 January the High Court in Belfast granted leave for a judicial review of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's decision of 27 October 1997 that the cases of the Guardsmen should be referred back to the Life Sentence Review Board in October 1998. No date has yet been set for the hearing.