HC Deb 08 June 1939 vol 348 cc582-3
32. Mr. G. Griffiths

asked the Home Secretary by what authority a watch committee, or a chief constable without the authorisation of the watch committee, acts in requiring police officers to have their finger prints taken as a routine matter?

Sir S. Hoare

Experience has shown that labour is liable to be wasted and valuable time lost in trying to identify some finger print which has ultimately been found to be that of a police officer whose attendance at the scene of a crime happened to be unknown to the officer in charge of the finger-printing investigation. The Departmental Committee on Detective Work and Procedure have recommended that to avoid this danger steps should be taken by every force to file the finger prints of every member of the force for ready reference. I am advised that an order given by a chief constable for the purpose of effecting this very desirable precaution is a lawful order.

Mr. Griffiths

In that case any police officer is now bound to have his finger prints taken if the chief constable says so?

Sir S. Hoare

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Griffiths

In that case will the right hon. Gentleman see that the finger prints of every Member of Parliament are taken, including those of the noble Lady opposite?

Sir S. Hoare

I shall be willing to consider the matter if it is in accordance with the wishes of the House.