To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many defendants who have appeared before (a) a Crown court and (b) the magistrates' courts in Birmingham since 1 May 2007 have been remanded overnight in court cells in London; how many were (i) adult males, (ii) adult females, (iii) males between 18 and 21 years and (iv) females between 18 and 21 years; where those defendants were remanded; when they were remanded; on how many occasions defendants were remanded; and whether those so remanded had access to drug, physical and mental health staff, showers and a change of clothing before reappearing in court each following day. (148297)

No defendants have been remanded from Birmingham Crown or magistrates courts to court cells in London. However, on 11 June 2007, five sentenced adult male prisoners and one sentenced young adult male prisoner were sent from Birmingham Crown court and Birmingham magistrates court to be held in cells at West London magistrates court.

In accordance with the agreed protocol, no female or juvenile prisoners have been held overnight in court cells.