HC Deb 31 January 1996 vol 270 cc758-9W
Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the death of Alton Manning on 8 December in Blakenhurst prison. [12094]

Miss Widdecombe

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Chris Mullin, dated 31 January 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the death of Mr. Alton Manning on 8 December 1995 in Blakenhurst prison. All deaths in custody are investigated by the Coroner whose inquest is a full and public inquiry. The Coroner is currently conducting the investigation into Mr. Manning's death and a date for the inquest is yet to be fixed. I am unable at this stage to comment on the detailed circumstances of the case.