§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether police cells have been used for prisoners in the last month; if so, where and when; and for whom.
§ Mr. MayhewYes; in the Metropolitan Police area the following number of prisoners have been detained at the places indicated:
- 10 Camberwell magistrates' court29 January
- 20 Camberwell magistrates' court30 January
- 20 Camberwell magistrates' court31 January
- 30 Horseferry Road magistrates' court 1 February
- 8 Lavender Hill police station1 February
- 30 Horseferry Road magistrates' court 2 February
- 29 Horseferry Road magistrates' court 3 February
The cells were used for adult male prisoners awaiting trial. No prisoner remained in a police cell for more than three nights. The use of police cells was made necessary by shortage of prison accommodation, especially at Brixton and Wormwood Scrubs where extensive building work is required, and at the remand wing at Pentonville where urgent refurbishing work is needed.