HC Deb 21 January 2004 vol 416 c1243W
11. Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with North Wales police authority about reducing the numbers held in police cells in north Wales. [148361]

Mr. Touhig

My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with representatives of the police forces in Wales.

Cells are normally used only to accommodate people who need to be held in custody by the police. Occasionally, prison inmates are held overnight because they cannot reach their prison by a reasonable time, or to facilitate their return to court the next day.