HC Deb 22 March 2000 vol 346 cc551-2W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what internal disciplinary actions have been taken by the Metropolitan police concerning officers who were responsible for the custody of Roger Sylvester in January 1999. [115642]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has informed me that the reports of the investigations into the death of Roger Sylvester by Essex police, supervised by the Police Complaints Authority, have been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether criminal charges should be laid against any of the police officers involved in this case.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what special police actions by officers not based at Tottenham police station took place from 10 to 13 January 1999 in the Tottenham police division. [115643]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has informed me that an investigation by the Complaints Investigation Bureau into the circumstances surrounding the detention of Roger Sylvester by officers based at Tottenham police station began on 11 January 1999.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the Police Complaints Authority report into the circumstances surrounding the death of Roger Sylvester to be published. [115644]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The circumstances surrounding the death of Roger Sylvester have been investigated by Essex police, supervised by the Police Complaints Authority. The publication of Investigating Officers' reports resulting from public complaints is a matter for individual Chief Officers of Police, in this case the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

The Government have accepted recommendation 10 of the Macpherson report regarding disclosure of Investigating Officers' reports to complainants. The action being taken to implement this recommendation is detailed in the First Annual Report on Progress on the Home Secretary's Action Plan, published on 23 February.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the death of Roger Sylvester in January 1999; and if he will make a statement. [115645]

Mr. Charles Clarke

Since January 1999, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has received a number of representations about the death of Roger Sylvester from several hon. Members, relatives of Roger Sylvester, members of the public and supporters of the Roger Sylvester Justice Campaign.

Most of the representations call for a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Roger Sylvester's detention by the Metropolitan police. This matter has been investigated by Essex police, supervised by the Police Complaints Authority. The Investigating Officers' reports have now been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration.