Written question asked by Michael Clapham (Labour) on Thursday, 18 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 January 2001. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Monday, 29 January 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if the British Embassy in Portugal has been informed why Professor Lowry remains in prison in that country despite having served more than half of his original sentence; and what indication there is of when he will be released.

Answer: Mr. Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the British Embassy in Portugal has been informed why Professor Lowry remains in prison in that country despite having served more than half of his original sentence; and what indication there is of when he will be released. [146849] Mr. Hain: The prison social welfare authorities will automatically begin to prepare a further application for Professor Lowry's release in February 2001 when he has served two thirds of his sentence. Conditional release in Portugal is granted at the discretion of the parole judge and becomes automatic only when five sixths of the sentence has been served.

Secondary information