§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are being held in custody at police stations(a) in the Metropolitan area and (b) outside the London area, as of 1 June; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe number of prisoners held in police cells in the Metropolitan police area and elsewhere in England and Wales from 1 June were as follows:
Date Metropolitan police area Elsewhere in England and Wales 1 June 245 809 2 June 245 809 3 June 245 809 4 June 216 864 5 June 218 893 6 June 177 900 7 June 143 951 We very much regret the current situation which has resulted in part from industrial action by prison officers in the London area—now over—and from difficulties we are facing in getting prisoners into prison establishments following the recent prison disturbances. My right hon. and learned Friend is determined to return to the situation where it is no longer necessary to resort to the use of police cells, and I am sure the great majority of responsible prison officers will wish to do likewise.