HC Deb 07 November 1997 vol 300 c368W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to public funds of the removal of Mr. R. Singh of Spalding street, Leicester. [13982]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Mr. Randhir Singh was removed from the United Kingdom to India on 27 October 1997 at public expense. The price of the airline ticket was £535.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the refusal of the custody sergeant at Charles street police station, Leicester to allow the hon. Member for Leicester East to see Mr. R. Singh except with a police officer present. [13980]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Code of Practice for the Detention, Treatment and Questioning of Persons by Police Officers (Code C), issued under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, does not apply to people who have been served a notice advising them of their detention under powers contained in the Immigration Act 1971. However, whilst in police custody, the custody officer has a general responsibility for the welfare and security of persons held in police cells.

When a person is held by the police on behalf of another agency, the custody officer has a discretion on visits which may be made to the person taking account of any concerns about potential dangers either to the detained person or to others.

My hon. Friend will be aware that I supported his request to visit Charles street Police Station and see his constituent. I am writing to the Chief Constable seeking an explanation and I will write to my hon. Friend in due course.