HC Deb 14 June 1951 vol 488 cc2482-3
3. Mr. Bossom

asked the President of the. Board of Trade how many officials of his Department have the right to enter business or private premises without a court order or search warrant.

Sir H. Shawcross

The number of Board of Trade officials with power to enter business premises without a court order or search warrant is 179. No official of the Board of Trade is authorised to enter private houses used exclusively as such.

Mr. Bossom

How many convictions have been secured during the last year?

Sir H. Shawcross

I cannot say without notice.

Mr. Bossom

Would not the police have been equally competent to do the work that these 179 officials are doing?

Sir H. Shawcross

No, Sir. This is largely specialised work which it would be unwise to impose on the police. I have no doubt that the existence of this force of inspectors helps to avoid offences being committed and prosecutions having to take place.