§ Mr. Channonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions he gives in regard to the use of handcuffs for convicted prisoners; and whether he will ensure that handcuffs are not used in transporting prisoners unless there is a serious risk of escape by the persons concerned.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsIt is the primary duty of the Governor to ensure that prisoners do not escape. He is given 63W general guidance in prison standing orders, a copy of which is in the Library of the House; but it is his responsibility, when a prisoner is being moved, to decide whether or not handcuffs should he used. Less may be known about the likely reactions of a prisoner on his way to trial than about those of a prisoner serving a sentence, and Governors must have a reasonable discretion.