F136 Power to release prisoners on compassionate grounds.E+W
[F1(1)The Secretary of State may at any time release a [F2short-term or long-term prisoner] on licence if he is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist which justify the prisoner’s release on compassionate grounds.]
(2)Before releasing a long-term F1. . . prisoner under subsection (1) above, the Secretary of State shall consult the Board, unless the circumstances are such as to render such consultation impracticable.
Textual Amendments
F1S. 36(1) so far as relating to life prisoners, and words in s. 36(2) repealed (1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 43, ss. 56(2), 57(2), Sch. 6 (subject to transitional provisions and savings in s. 56(1), Sch. 5 para. 1); S.I. 1997/2200, art. 2(1)(p)(3)(c) (subject to transitional provisions and savings in art. 5).
F2Words in s. 36(1) substituted (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 119, Sch. 8 para.82; S.I. 1998/2327, art.2(1)(y)(2)(y).
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Ss. 34-37 applied (1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 43, ss. 41, 56(1), Sch. 1 Pt. II paras. 8, 9(2)(a), Sch. 5 paras. 9(2)(a), 10(2)(a); S.I. 1997/2200, art. 2(1).
S. 36 applied (1.10.1997) by 1997 c. 43, ss. 44, 56(1), Sch. 1 Pt. II paras. 8(2), 9(2), Sch. 5 paras. 9(1)(a), 10(1)(b); S.I. 1997/2200, art. 2(1).
Commencement Information
I1Pt. II (ss. 32-51) wholly in force at 1.10.1992 see s. 102(2)(3) and S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2.