HC Deb 29 March 1889 vol 334 c1155
MR. CONYBEARE

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether boys were taken to Reformatory Schools with handcuffs on; and, if so, whether he would order the practice to be discontinued?

MR. MATTHEWS

There is no fixed rule on the subject. It is left to the discretion of the governor of the prison, who is responsible for the safe conduct of the boy. In crowded thoroughfares and at railway stations it is often found necessary to put on handcuffs in order to prevent escapes, which have not infrequently occurred. I do not think it would be expedient to issue an order prohibiting the practice altogether.