§ Mr. David YoungTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in each region, how many prisoners were occupying police cells at the latest date for which figures are available because of lack of prison accommodation; how many police officers were diverted from their duties as a result; and what is the cost in financial terms for police pay or otherwise.
§ Mr. Peter LloydResponsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Mr. Derek Lewis to Mr. David Young, dated 1 March 1994: 638W
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking for information about the number of prisoners occupying police cells at the latest date for which figures are available, because of lack of prison accommodation; how many police officers were diverted from their duties as a result: and what is the cost in financial terms for police pay or otherwise.On Monday 28 February 1994, the number of prisoners being held in police cells due to lack of prison accommodation was 294. All of these were held by Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Northumbria, Lancashire and Humberside police forces.Information on how many police officers were diverted from their duties as a result of these lockouts is not readily available. Police forces arrange their own duty rostas, and usually use overtime or rest call ins to look after Prison Service inmates.As yet we have insufficient details from the police to provide information about police costs. I will write again as soon as we have it.