§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take in response to the suggestion by coroner Sir Montague Levine that his Department should take steps to prevent further deaths arising from the use on prisoners of body belts as restraints; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenI understand that Sir Montague Levine, who conducted the inquest, will be writing to the Department shortly about this unfortunate case. It would not be sensible to comment on the case or its implications for policy on the management of violent prisoners until Sir Montague's report and other relevant papers have been fully considered.