§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he takes to ensure the reasonable health and comfort of those detained in custody between arrest and trial.
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§ Mr. MellorResponsibility for the treatment of persons in police custody rests with the relevant chief officer of police. Home Office guidance to chief officers on the treatment of persons in police custody is contained in section 4 of the "Consolidated Circular to the Police on Crime and Kindred Matters", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.
The prison service has the duty of caring for the physical and mental health and welfare of every inmate in its custody, whether convicted or unconvicted. In any establishment this duty is shared between the medical officer and the governor and the governor is required to bring to my right hon. and learned Friend's attention any matter of concern which needs his consideration.
§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he intends to make with regard to time limits on the period between arrest and trial.
§ Mr. MellorWe intend to seek powers in the Prosecution of Offences Bill to apply time limits to the period between an offender's first appearance in court following arrest or summons and his trial. My right hon. and learned Friend will determine the precise way in which these powers should be exercised after considering the results of field trials, which will explore the feasibility of particular time limits and their practical implications.
§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints his Department has received in the last six months concerning lengthy remands in custody.
§ Mr. MellorThe information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. If the hon. Member has particular cases in mind and would write to me, I should be glad to look into the matter.