HC Deb 19 September 2002 vol 390 c24W
Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up a public inquiry into the events surrounding the death of Christopher Alder in police custody in 1998 and subsequent events; and if he will make a statement. [73306]

Mr. Denham

I would refer my hon. Friend to the letter dated 5 July that he received from my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. Until a decision about whether disciplinary proceedings are to be instigated has been taken and any disciplinary action which might emerge has been completed, it would not be appropriate to consider any request for a public inquiry.

Harry Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action his Department has taken following the killing of Mr. Christopher Alder in Hull Police Station; what representations have been received from Mr. Alder's family; what has been the response; and if he will make a statement. [6749]

Mr. Denham

I refer my hon. Friend to my letter to him of 15 August 2002, a copy of which is in the Library.