HC Deb 24 June 1976 vol 913 c583W
40. Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines he has laid down covering the use by Metropolitan Police officers of tape recorders during interviews with persons suspected of criminal offences; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

None.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the committee which is considering the introduction of tape recordings in police stations; and if he will name the members of the committee and state the number of times it has met to date.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The committee is considering the feasibility of an experiment in the tape recording of police interrogations. I understand that its twelfth meeting will be held next month, when a draft report will be considered. The membership is now as follows:

  • Mr. W. N. Hyde (Chairman), Home Office.
  • Mr. J. Marriage, Q.C., Bar Council.
  • Mr. J. D. Clarke, Law Society.
  • Mr. D. H. Kidner, Clerk to the Justices, Coventry, Justices Clerks' Society.
  • Mr. J. S. Wilson, O.B.E., Assistant Commisisoner Metropolitan Police.
  • Mr. B. Pain, Q.P.M., Chief Constable of Kent, Association of Chief Police Officers. Mr. A. A. Clarke, Assistant Chief Constable South Wales Constabulary.
  • Mr. C. M. Cooksley, C.B.E., Q.P.M., D.L., H.M. Inspector of Constabulary.
  • Mr. F. J. McLaren, Chief Probation Officer, Northumbria.
  • Mr. K. Dowling, Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
  • Mr. C. Jones, Lord Chancellor's Office.
  • Mr. N. M. Johnson. Home Office.
  • Mr. D. J. Belfall (Secretary), Home Office.