§ Mr. Longdenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that under the Penal Servitude Act of 1891 an individual, having previously had a good character, convicted of a petty criminal offence, is forced to allow his fingerprints to be taken; and will he take steps to amend the law and end this indignity.
§ Mr. OliverThe finger-prints of a convicted person cannot be taken without his consent unless he is sent to prison. Finger-prints are taken in prison only if the prisoner has been convicted of one of 2291W a number of specified offences, of which the majority are indictable, or, in rare cases, at the special request of the police or because the governor considers it necessary in the interests of justice. As at present advised my right hon. Friend sees no reason for amending the law.