HC Deb 14 April 1980 vol 982 cc474-5W
Mr. Ray Powell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for reports from the chief constables of police authorities in Wales as to the circumstances in which persons were detained for questioning by the police on Sunday 31 March, and later released without being charged; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brittan

The chief officers of the four Welsh police forces tell me that, following recent incidents of arson and attempted arson in Wales, 29 people were arrested on 30 and 31 March in a coordinated operation. Four were subsequently charged at Dolgellau variously with conspiracy to commit criminal damage, attempting to commit criminal damage by fire, burglary with intent to cause criminal damage by fire and possession of firearms while committing an indictable offence. One was charged at Luton with conspiracy to cause explosions.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to amend the law to prevent the police from detaining persons without admitting their names or the location where they are detained and to protect their rights of habeas corpus in such circumstances.

Mr. Brittan

The law and procedures relating to the detention and treatment of persons in police custody are under review by the Royal Commission on criminal procedure, whose reports we shall await before considering whether further legislation is necessary.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines there are for the police in relation to protecting an individual's rights when in detention for questioning to ensure that he is permitted to contact his nearest relatives to inform them of his whereabouts; and if he will list the statutory provisions under which the police may refuse to do so.

Mr. Brittan

Section 62 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 provides that where any person has been arrested and is being held in custody in a police station or other premises, he shall be entitled to have intimation of his arrest and of the place where he is being held sent to one person reasonably named by him without delay, or with no more delay than is necessary in the interest of the investigation or prevention of crime or the apprehension of offenders. Guidance about the application of section 62 is contained in the Home Office consolidated circular to the police on crime and kindred matters, a copy of which is in the Library.