HL Deb 01 June 1998 vol 590 c19WA
Lord Tebbit

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, following the day release from prison of IRA criminals to assist in the campaign for a Yes vote in the forthcoming Northern Ireland referendum, it is their intention to release an equal number of other criminals to campaign for a No vote. [HL1890]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Dubs)

The Secretary of State granted temporary release to four prisoners to attend a Sinn Fein conference to discuss the Belfast Agreement on 9 May. The release of those prisoners was a matter of concern and hurt to many members of the public and the Secretary of State has said that releases will not be granted for such purposes in the future.