§ Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to an incident in which a prisoner manacled to a police officer travelled from Derby to Leicester, on Saturday, 26th April, in a compartment which had been specially reserved for a party travelling from Manchester to London; and whether he will give instructions that on all future occasions where prisoners are to be transferred by rail special reserved accommodation be provided for such transfer?
§ Mr. CLYNESUpon inquiry of the Chief Constable of Derbyshire I learn that on 25th April, which appears to be the date intended to be referred to, there were no empty coaches available and no sufficient indication that the seats used were not available for the particular journey. It is not practicable to make the general instructions as sweeping as suggested, but so far as prison escorts are concerned, the general instructions are to reserve compartments, if possible, and in any event to do everything practicable to avoid or minimise public exposure.