HC Deb 20 March 2003 vol 401 c895W
Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many occasions the Royal Prerogative of Mercy has been exercised in respect of members of terrorist organisations in Northern Ireland in each year since 1998. [85886]

Mr. Paul Murphy

I am sorry for the delay in replying.

Since 1998 the Royal Prerogative of Mercy has been granted 18 times in respect of individuals convicted of terrorist offences relating to Northern Ireland. The breakdown of cases is as follows:

  • 1998: 1
  • 1999: 1
  • 2000: 7
  • 2001: 6
  • 2002: 3