HC Deb 20 December 1989 vol 164 cc269-70W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will establish an independent inquiry into the death of Germain Alexander who died in King's College hospital on Wednesday 6 December;

(2) if he will instruct the governor of Brixton prison and the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis to set up an inquiry to establish how Mr. Germain Alexander incurred serious injuries on 5 and 6 December while in police and prison custody.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

No. A coroner's inquest is to be held which will inquire into all the circumstances surrounding Mr. Alexander's death. Until the outcome of the inquest is known any further inquiries would be inappropriate.

Statistics England and Wales (table 6.3 of the issue for 1988, Cm. 825); but to compile figures for Avon for several years would involve disproportionate cost.

normally reverse a decision where the appeal process has been exhausted and no new or compelling evidence has become available.