§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to establish care and reception centres for persons needing medical treatment or supervision when taken into police custody.
§ Mr. MayhewParagraphs 4.22–4.29 of the consolidated circular to the police on crime and kindred matters, a copy of which is in the Library, lay down guidance on the provision of medical facilities for those taken into police custody who are in need of medical treatment. They require, inter alia, that a doctor should be called if there is the slightest suspicion that a person may be ill, and that, where appropriate, people should be taken to hospital. Paragraphs 9.1–9.6 of the draft code of practice on the questioning of persons suspected of crime issued in connection with the Police and Criminal Evidence Bill make similar provision. We have no reason to believe that these arrangements need to be supplemented by the provision of special extra facilities.