§ MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the frequent use by the Metropolitan Police in removing persons taken into custody of what is termed the "frog's march" which inflicts very severe pain, and in some cases serious strains and other injuries; and, whether he will forbid the police to use the "frog's march" and substitute some more humane method of removing refractory prisoners?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)By a Police Order, dated January, 1885, the practice known as the "frog's march" is prohibited, except in cases of absolute necessity, when a special Report of the circumstance is to be submitted the next day. The ambulance kept at the nearest station is to be sent for, and the person requiring to be conveyed is to be firmly strapped thereon. I am not aware of any recent cases in which the "frog's march" has been adopted by the Metropolitan Police.
§ MR. CHANNINGinquired whether the Reports of the cases in which this practice was resorted to were laid before the Home Secretary?
§ MR. MATTHEWSNo, Sir; they have not been laid before me. The prohibition is dated January, 1885.
§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)Will the right hon. Gentleman give us some explanation of what the "frog's march" means?
§ [No reply.]