Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Stern (Crossbench). It was answered by Lord Bach (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 January 2010.

Prisons: Search and Restraint

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, following the report of 8 December from the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture, whether they propose to continue routine strip-searching and the use of restraint techniques involving the infliction of pain in prison establishments for those under 18.

Answer: My Lords, the Government are currently reviewing full search practice in the under-18 secure estate to ensure that it is proportionate and appropriate, and they will fully consider any recommendations that arise from the review. Physical restraint in the under-18 secure estate is to be used only as a last resort where all other options have not succeeded or could not succeed in bringing a violent or potentially dangerous situation under control. A new system of restraint for use in the under-18 secure estate is currently being developed.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 716 c501
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: Lead
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Body searches Pain Young offenders Restraint techniques Youth custody European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk