Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Elton (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 9 July 2009.

Parole: Ronald Biggs

Question: My Lords, how many prisoners are over the age of 75, and what consideration is given to the overcrowding in our prisons when reviewing their cases for parole?

Answer: My Lords, I do not know the number of prisoners over 75, but I will find out and write to the noble Lord. Of course it is important that the right people are in prison at the right time; prisoners can be released if their health is in such a state and they can apply to the Justice Secretary for release on those grounds. We are talking about a decision which my right honourable friend took in a quasi-judicial role, having considered all the evidence before him.

Secondary information