126Parole applications—decision after inquiry without

126 Parole applications—decision after inquiry without hearing (1) This section applies if the board has conducted an inquiry for section 125 into an application for parole by an offender. (2) The board must— (a) if the board considers that the documents currently before it justify paroling the offender—make a written order (a parole order) granting the offender parole on the date stated in the order; or (b) if the board considers that the documents currently before it do not justify paroling the offender— (i) set a time for a hearing by the board about the offender’s parole; and (ii) give notice under section 127 of the hearing. (3) If the application is an ordinary parole application, the date stated in a parole order for the offender must be— (a) the offender’s parole eligibility date; or (b) if the order is made on or after the offender’s parole eligibility date—a date within a reasonable time after the order is made. (4) If the application is a special parole application— (a) section 120 (1) (Criteria for making parole orders) does not apply to the board’s consideration of the application; and

(b) the board may make a parole order for the offender only if satisfied there are exceptional circumstances for paroling the offender before the offender’s parole eligibility date.