HC Deb 17 December 1964 vol 704 cc125-6W
Mr. Molloy

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions are given to the Metropolitan Police in explaining to arrested persons, particularly teenagers charged and detained overnight, their rights of representation before being brought before a court.

Sir F. Soskice

The Judges' Rules provide that, except where hindrance is reasonably likely to be caused to the processes of investigation or the administration of justice, arrested persons should be informed that they are allowed to speak on the telephone to a solicitor or to friends; and the commissioner of police has issued instructions to this effect. When a child or young person is arrested, the parents or guardians are given the opportunity to be present before he is charged. The right to call a solicitor is explained both to the juvenile and to the parent or guardian.