§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Barry McKay, detained at Risley remand centre, will have his case brought to court; what information he has on(a) this detainee's dietary habits, (b) whether he has lodged any formal complaint and (c) what action has been taken; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggMr. Barry McKay has been at Manchester prison since 29 March and his trial will take place at Chester Crown court on a date yet to be fixed.
Mr. McKay is a practising Moslem and every effort has been made to meet his dietary requirements since the date of his reception at Risley remand centre on 12 September 1988. However, Mr. McKay refused all food from 27 March until 9 April on which day he requested, and was provided with, food in accordance with the restrictions imposed by Ramadan.
I understand that Mr. McKay has made no formal complaints about his diet and that he is now accepting food appropriate to the needs of his faith.