Written question asked by Lord Hayhoe (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Labour) on Monday, 5 June 2006.

Prisoners: Bail

Question: What is the average delay when bail conditions have been met before a prisoner is released from prison; and whether there are any rules governing this matter.

Answer: Information on the period of delay between notification that bail conditions have been met and the time of release of the prisoner is not collected centrally and could not be provided except at disproportionate cost. However, it is normal practice for prisons to release a prisoner on the day of notification unless the notification is received very late in the day. When notified of a bail decision by a court, prisons will release a prisoner held on remand as soon as possible once conditions, if any, have been met and checks have been made that there are no other outstanding warrants applying to the prisoner. Prisons and courts have arrangements in place to allow governors to receive recognisances and sureties in respect of defendants remanded in custody and to ensure that governors are informed when such recognisances and sureties are received by others authorised to receive them. The requirement to release is set out in the Criminal Procedure Rules 2005 at paragraph 19.7. Prison Service Order 6100 sets out guidance for governors on the handling of bail issues.

Secondary information