§ 52. Mr. Fitzroy Macleanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the total number of officials authorised to carry out inspections and investigations in private houses and premises without a search warrant at 15th July.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe current number of officials who may exercise statutory powers to enter private houses, used exclusively as such, is 4,170; of whom 3,154 are officers of the Inland Revenue—mainly valuers; 996 are assessors acting for the War Damage Commission, and 20 are members or officers of the Board of Control who, under Section 206 (2) of the Lunacy Act of 1890, have power to en ter a private house to visit a person apparently detained as a lunatic without an order or certificate.
§ Mr. F. MacleanCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say if that figure includes all other private premises?
§ Sir S. CrippsIt includes all private premises.
§ Mr. Frederic HarrisDoes not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that that is 4,170 too many?
§ Sir S. CrippsConsidering that the majority of these powers have existed since 1836, I do not think that they have been abused.