HC Deb 20 April 1982 vol 22 cc70-1W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that the Human Rights Convention is being adhered to in respect of those persons kept in prison, some 5,000 persons, for periods of one month to over 12 months when they have not been tried or found guilty of any offence.

Mr. Mayhew

We do not consider that the conditions under which untried persons are held contravene the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights. As pointed out in the annual report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales 1981—Cmnd. 8532—however, these conditions are far from ideal and, subject to the availability of resources, steps are being taken to improve the situation.

Mr. Mikardo

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons detained in "H" division, Metropolitan Police, in 1981 were refused permission to make a telephone call, and how many were refused access to a solicitor; and in each case how many of these persons were juveniles, other persons aged under 21 years and members of ethnic minorities.

Mr. Mayhew

The information requested is not kept centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.