§ Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Warwickshire as to the circumstances surrounding the detention on Thursday 10 May for two and a half hours in Nuneaton police station, of a 20-month-old baby, Matthew Ham.
§ Mr. HurdI understand from the chief constable of Warwickshire that the incident arose from the arrest of the child's father at a time when he had sole custody of him. It was not possible to make alternative arrangements for the care of the child, who was allowed to remain with his father while the latter was being interviewed. I am satisfied that proper steps were taken to ensure the wellbeing of the child while his father was in police custody.