§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy towards the use of leg irons to restrain persons in custody, and towards the length of time for which such people should remain so restrained; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorLeg irons are not used in prison establishments in England and Wales. A leather ankle strap may, however, be employed where a prisoner resorts to kicking to resist his removal from one part of an establishment to another and it is necessary to restrain him to avoid his injuring himself or others. Staff are instructed that the strap is to be taken off as soon as the removal of the prisoner is completed.
I understand that leg irons are not used by any police force in England and Wales.