§ 24. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to withdraw the order issued in 1957 to the Metropolitan Police that fingerprints should be taken of all Irishmen charged with minor offences.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have been informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that this order has now been withdrawn. All the fingerprints taken in pursuance of it have been destroyed.
§ Mr. FletcherWhile thanking the Home Secretary for that reply, may I ask him to make it quite clear that the police have no power to take the fingerprints of anybody who objects to his fingerprints being taken?
§ Mr. ButlerI should not like to give any more general answer than I have given. I have answered specifically the Question which the hon. Member asked; he can take that as a definite answer.
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerUnder what legal authority was this order issued in the first place? Can the police at will issue orders to take fingerprints in this sort of case?
§ Mr. ButlerI should require notice of that question in order to tell the right hon. Gentleman the exact powers under which this order was made.