HC Deb 13 March 2000 vol 346 c91W
Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the impact on his policy of Article 3 of the European Convention on his policy concerning Human Rights on the use by police officers of handcuffs. [114376]

Mr. Charles Clarke

We believe that the use of handcuffs by the police, in accordance with the relevant provisions of domestic law and the applicable Home Office guidelines, is compatible with the convention.

Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the impact of Article 6 of the ECHR on his policy relating to actions against the police for negligence in the investigation and suppression of crime. [114378]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The Government's view on this matter is set out in a letter sent from the Home Office to all police forces and police authorities on 4 March 1999, a copy of which is in the Library. That letter advises that, on the basis of the interpretation of Article 6 adopted by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Osmanv. United Kingdom, police forces should exercise considerable caution before applying to have claims for negligence struck out on the basis of public policy immunity.