Police Custody Units

HC Deb 18 July 2001 vol 372 cc274-5W

Mr. Breed

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many operational police custody units there were in Devon and Cornwall in each year from 1980 to 2001; and if he will make a statement. [3412]

Mr. Denham

I understand from the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, that on the basis that the definition for 'Custody Units' is individual cells, the figures are as follows:

Year	Custody Units
1980 to 1985	200
1986 and 1987	201
1988	199
1989 and 1990	204
1991 and 1992	202
1993	201

Year	Custody Units
1994	208
1995	207
1996	205
1997	204
1998 and 1999	1185
2000	207
2001	1219
1 Torquay Police Station was closed in 1998–99 and its replacement opened this year.

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary has eight custody centres under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 for handling those who are detained in excess of six hours. These centres are located at Camborne, Plymouth, Barnstaple, St. Austell, Torquay, Exeter, Newquay and Crownhill (Plymouth).