asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Merseyside on how many schoolchildren were detaned in Kirkby police station on 18 and 19 April; how long each one was detained; why they were not allowed to telephone their parents, relatives or solicitors; why no food or drinks were provided; and why some were detained from 1lam to after 8 pm.

Yes. I shall make inquiries of the chief constable of Merseyside and will write to the hon. Member.