HL Deb 29 January 1996 vol 568 cc99-100WA
The Marquess of Ailesbury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the allegation (emphasised on posters issued by the Portman Group) that a motorist failing a breathalyser test is handcuffed forthwith is misleading.

Baroness Blatch

The use of handcuffs in any situation is an operational decision for each arresting officer. Handcuffs may be used when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an unrestrained prisoner will use violence against the arresting officer or others; or there are reasonable grounds to believe that the prisoner will escape. Whether reasonable grounds exist will depend on the circumstances of each case. Such situations can arise with drink drivers.