§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will amend the code of practice for the detention, treatment and questioning of persons by the police by prescribing a minimum period of rest between questioning by the police and subsequent court appearance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe draft code of practice on the detention, treatment and questioning of persons by the police, which my right hon. and learned Friend published as a consultative document on 10 January, contains detailed provisions governing the periods of rest which detained persons must be permitted free from questioning or other interruptions arising from the investigation—as well as other aspects of detention, such as the provision of meals, exercise and toilet and washing facilities. We do not believe that it would be in the interests of detained persons to provide for a break between the completion of questioning and court appearance, the effect of which could well be to delay the time of release from custody. Nevertheless, all responses to the consultation document will be considered carefully.