§ 58. Mr. R. DAVIESasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the comments of a London judge, in which he condemned the use of a certain type of handcuff by the police; and whether, if these comments were justifiable, he will take immediate steps to introduce a less severe type?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe learned judge's comments appear to have been based on an insufficient appreciation of the facts. The handcuffs now used by the Metropolitan Police are handier and appear to be less likely to do a prisoner any injury than the older patterns, and no complaint has been received with regard to them.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman conduct a personal experimental test of these, preferably on some of the irrepressible Members of the Cabinet?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have personally seen these handcuffs—[An HON. MEMBER: "And tried them?"]—and have also read what the learned judge said. It is quite evident he had never seen them, because he described them in a hopelessly inaccurate manner.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHas the right hon. Gentleman actually tried on these handcuffs?
§ Mr. SHORTTIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will come round to the Home Office, he can try them himself!
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill you let me out of them again?