CONFIDENTIAL
imprisonment exceeding six years (including life imprisonment).
Review in the case of a prisoner under 21 at the date of the
offence is undertaken after one year and every year
thereafter.
There is, hc "ever, a provision saving the
Governor's discretion to bring up a case for review at any
tire.
Board's Function
5. The Board's function is to review the cases brought
before it under the operation of Rule 69A and to advise the Governor whether any remission (other than normal remission)
is justified.
Criteria
6. We have no information as to whether criteria are laid
down for the guidance of the Board in their consideration
of these cases. Rule 69A requires the production of reports -
(i) by the Prison Medical Officer on the mental
and physical condition of the prisoner and
whether or not imprisonment has had or is likely
to have an injurious effect on his health;
(ii) by the Superintendent of Prisons on the conduct
and industry of the prisoner and on any matter
which might, in his opinion, be relevant to the
review.
the
In addition to these factors it would be usual to take account
of the general character and record of the prisoner,
nature of his offence, and the likely public reaction to his
earlier release.
CONFIDENTIAL
/Application