Written question asked by Hilton Dawson (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 January 2005. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Monday, 31 January 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the deaths of children in custody since 1997. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Dawson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the deaths of children in custody since 1997. [211509] Ms Blears: The death of any young person in custody (or elsewhere) is a terrible tragedy. I send my deepest sympathy for the family of Gareth Price, who died on 20 January after being found hanging while on remand at Lancaster Farms Young Offender Institution. The Government take very seriously the issue of self-harm and suicide in the juvenile custodial estate and have taken a range of steps to try to prevent it. We are currently looking at what further measures may be needed.

Secondary information