HC Deb 23 February 1967 vol 741 cc1946-7
32. Sir D. Walker-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what regulations he has issued governing the procedure for the handcuffing of prisoners under escort; and what safeguards exist to secure conformity in the procedures and to ensure that prisoners are not handcuffed unnecessarily.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Miss Alice Bacon)

It is for the prison governor to decide in any particular case whether handcuffs need to be used, having regard to the age and character of the prisoners, the nature of the journey, and other relevant circumstances. Detailed guidance is given in Prison Standing Orders, of which a copy is in the Library of the House.

Sir D. Walker-Smith

Surely it must have been an entirely anomalous and unjustified application of those procedures whereby a constituent of mine was taken handcuffed, under escort, from Hertfordshire all the way to Somerset to face a relatively minor charge of larceny, on which he was granted bail when the hearing was adjourned and which was subsequently dismissed by the justices? What steps does the right hon. Lady propose to take to see that that sort of thing does not happen?

Miss Bacon

If the right hon. and learned Gentleman will let me have the particulars of that case, I shall certainly look into it. Security must always be paramount, and it is entirely a matter for the judgment of the governor.

Mr. John Lee

Could my right hon. Friend have a word with the Secretary of State for Defence and see that prisoners of the military authorities are also treated reasonably in these matters?

Miss Bacon

That is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, and it has been raised in the House.

Sir D. Walker-Smith

Is the right hon. Lady not aware that I sent the full particulars of the case to her right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, and I had a letter from him last month dealing with those matters?

Miss Bacon

I shall certainly look into that. The Question is general, and I was not aware of the case the right hon. and learned Gentleman had in mind.