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Handcuffs

Volume 264: debated on Wednesday 18 October 1995

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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of rigid and chain link handcuffs used by police officers are manufactured in the United Kingdom. [37079]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have suffered injury from the use of rigid handcuffs in the latest period for which figures are available. [37078]

This information is not held centrally. I understand that in 1994 the Police Complaints Authority received some 300 complaints about handcuffs, including both the traditional style and the rigid handcuff.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the effect of the use of rigid handcuffs on the level of assaults upon police officers. [37080]

I understand that this type of handcuff is quicker to apply and provides a more effective restraint upon a prisoner than the traditional design. I have no information as to the effect of the rigid handcuff on the level of assaults on police officers.