§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received on injuries sustained by children in penal institutions, with particular reference to broken limbs; how many such injuries were suffered by children in such institutions in each of the last five years; how many and what percentage of the total are considered to have been inflicted by staff working in such institutions; what plans he has to introduce new or revised policies on the issue; and if he will make a statement. [169526]
§ Paul GogginsMy right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has not received any recent representations on this subject.
Statistical information on injuries is not collected centrally, but the Youth Justice Board has been reviewing the use of physical restraint procedures and the National Children's Bureau recently produced a report for the board on the use of physical intervention within the juvenile secure estate. The board is currently drawing up a code of practice on the use of physical restraint, which it is intended will apply in all establishments holding young people under 18. The board is also planning to review the techniques that are used in establishments, in the light of the tragic death of Gareth Myatt at Rainsbrook on 19 April.