§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the commissioner of police for London on(a) the conduct of individual police officers and (b) the practices in respect of the unlawful killing of Mr. Shiji Lapite; what action he proposes to take to compensate Mr. Lapite's family; what measures he proposes to alter the practices which led to Mr. Lapite's death; and if he will make a statement. [12764]
§ Mr. MacleanI understand that, following the verdict of the coroner's inquest, the case has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions who will again consider the criminal aspects of the case. It would not he appropriate for me to comment further on the details of the case at this stage.
The Association of Chief Police Officers is currently considering its guidelines on the use of restraint techniques. I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that no claim for compensation has yet been received from Mr. Lapite's family.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ban the use of neck choke holds by 707W (a) the police and (b) prison officers; and if he will make a statement. [12722]
§ Mr. MacleanNo. The law provides that any person may use reasonable force in upholding the law. What particular means of restraint is reasonable is a matter for the courts in the circumstances of the particular case.