§ 17. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the police take finger prints of youths who are charged with theft, while not convicted but simply bound over; whether this procedure is in accordance with the Home Office Regulations; whether the instructions apply to those brought before the Children's Courts; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of issuing further instructions with the object of preventing the taking and registering of finger prints of young persons unless and until they shall have been convicted of felony?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe police cannot, of course, know beforehand how an alleged offender will be dealt with, and if they have no knowledge of his antecedents, they are fully justified in taking his finger-prints for the purpose of tracing them, even though he is a mere youth.
§ Mr. HAYESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the taking of finger-prints is not only an assistance to the police but a protection to the individuals?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSCertainly. I have no objection to having my fingerprints taken.
§ Mr. WELLSWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the finger-prints of all Members of this House are taken?