§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) in how many cases in relation to 25W investigations in connection with the recent disturbances in Tottenham the police have refused access to solicitors on the grounds that representing a particular client would create a conflict of interest or where in the opinion of the police it would be professionally improper for them to act;
(2) in how many cases of persons being interviewed in relation to investigations in connection with the recent disturbances in the Tottenham area a solicitor instructed by a third party asked to see the person being interviewed; in how many of these cases the request was denied; and what reasons were given for refusing the request in each such case;
(3) how many persons interviewed by the police in relation to investigations into the recent disturbances in the Tottenham area asked to see a solicitor; in how many cases the request was denied; and what reasons were given when the request was denied.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe information requested is not held centrally. On the basis of the information which is currently available, and whose accuracy cannot be completely guaranteed, we believe that six people were denied access to a solicitor for less than 24 hours, 14 for between 24 and 48 hours, and five for more than 48 hours. Access was denied because, in the opinion of the police, granting it would have caused unreasonable delay or hindrance to the conduct of the investigation. No further information is available.