asked Her Majesty's Government:How many of the 41 persons in prison department establishments in England and Wales on 31st January 1981, who had been in custody for a continuous period of 15 years or more since their first reception, are life sentence prisoners, how many were convicted of murder, and how many were convicted of other homicide offences.

Of the 41 persons in prison department establishments in England and Wales on 31st January 1981 who had been in custody for a continuous period of 15 years or more since their first reception 40 were serving life sentences and one was detained during Her Majesty's pleasure. 34 were convicted of murder, six were convicted of other homicide offences and one of rape.