§ 8. Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average cost per night of keeping a prisoner in a police cell in 1994. [18362]
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe cost is £250.
§ Mr. HoyleDoes the Minister agree that that is a costly and unsatisfactory method of holding prisoners and does not make the best use of police time? Given that prisons are overcrowded, would it not be better to use more resources on crime prevention and get more police on the beat, which would be more effective, more efficient and what the public desire?
§ Mr. ForsythI agree with the hon. Gentleman. That is why we are doing all the things that he mentioned. I agree with him specifically about the use of police cells and the costs involved. That is why we plan to eliminate the use of police cells during this financial year.