29. Dr. Tony WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the release of terrorist prisoners. [71226]
§ Mr. IngramI refer my hon. Friend to the extensive debate on the Floor of the House regarding this issue on 9 December 1998,Official Report, columns 329–59. I also refer my hon. Friend to the further related debate on 27 January 1999, Official Report, columns 344–97, and in particular to columns 358–59.
§ 25. Mr. GarnierTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners have been released under the accelerated release scheme set up by the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 to date. [71227]
§ Mr. IngramTo date there have been 242 prisoners released under the terms of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998. This is drawn from information received by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State as at 15 February 1999 from the Sentence Review Commissioners to whom prisoners apply for early release.