Parole Qualifying Period

Lord Hylton
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will amend the parole system so that time spent in prison on remand counts towards the six month qualifying period.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Glenarthur)
No. As parole is selective, a minimum period of time is required after sentencing during which observation, reporting and selection may take place. If remand time counted towards the qualifying period, a prisoner might be eligible for parole immediately after sentencing.