MP Queries Use of Local Police Cells for Convicts

6.10.21pm GMT Tue 10th Oct 2006

Vincent Cable MP

Following the announcement by the Home Secretary that the shortage of prison places necessitates the use of police cells for convicted prisoners, Vincent Cable MP has asked the Borough Commander to explain what this means locally.

Vincent Cable said: "We have a longstanding problem locally that there are not enough police cells and there have been cases of insufficient places to detain people, late at night and at big events, who are violent and drunk and a threat to public order. I sincerely hope that we shall not have people discharged onto the streets who should be behind bars in order to accommodate prisoners who have no where to go because of bad planning by the Government."