HL Deb 22 July 2004 vol 664 cc88-9WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are reviewing the reasons for, and implications of, continued detention for periods longer than the tariff set by the trial judge. [HL3839]

Baroness Scotland of Astal

Release in all cases is now a matter for the Parole Board to decide. All life sentence prisoners are entitled to a Parole Board review in time for them to be released on tariff expiry. Before directing release, the board has a statutory duty to satisfy itself that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the prisoner should be confined. A prisoner will be detained beyond tariff until the board is so satisfied.