§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what investigation was carried out by his Department into how Mervyn Leroy Phillips came to suffer a heart attack while detained at Ashford remand centre, as a result of which he died there in June 1981; and if he will publish the results of such an investigation.
§ Mr. MayhewAny death in a prison department establishment is referred to HM coroner who is responsible for inquiring into the circumstances. An inquest on Mr. Phillips' death was held in public on 8 October 1981 and the jury returned a verdict of death by natural causes.