§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) why plastic handcuffs have been introduced by the Metropolitan police;
(2) what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that the use of plastic handcuffs conforms with the guidance in the Metropolitan police instruction book.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that plastic handcuffs have been the subject of evaluation trials but have not been issued for normal policing duties. A limited number are available, however, for use by officers on special duties, under the direction of senior officers.