§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines are provided by his Department on the use of wicket gates in police cells.
§ Mr. Peter LloydHome Office guidance on the use of cell door service hatches (known as "wicket gates") specifies that where cell doors are fitted with a drop-down service hatch, the hatch should not be left open when the cell is occupied by a prisoner.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were being held in police cells at the latest date for which information is available.
§ Mrs. RumboldOn Wednesday 21 November, 998 prisoners were held in police cells.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department's guidelines are on the care of suicidal people in police stations; and where that information is contained.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe Home Office has issued no guidelines on the care of persons in police custody with suicidal tendencies. The codes of practice issued in accordance with section 66 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 require custody officers to summon a force medical examiner if any detainee appears to require medical attention, which would include a person with known suicidal tendencies. It is for chief police officers to issue any instructions necessary to ensure that the requirements of the codes are met.