§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many house searches have been made of Mr. Chiedozie's home at 28 St. George's Avenue, Forest Gate, E.7; and how many police officers took part in the various searches;
(2) why a search of his home was conducted whilst Mr. Chiedozie, of 28 St. George's Avenue, London E.7, was held at the police station; why his wife was not told of his whereabouts; why two pawn tickets and an expired Nigerian passport were retained; for how long they were retained; and what charges have since been brought against Mr. Chiedozie.
§ Mr. HurdI have been informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that two searches were carried out at this address: the first by four police officers and the second by six.
Mr. Chiedozie was not held by the police while the searches were carried out. He was not at home when the officers called on the first occasion and his wife informed them that he had gone to the police station in accordance with a condition of bail. Pawn tickets in Mr. Chiedozie's possession were retained so that the police could establish whether they related to stolen goods. They were taken from Mr. Chiedozie on 7 November 1983 and returned to him in January 1984. His passport was retained because a further condition of his bail is that Mr. Chiedozie's Nigerian passport be held by the police. I understand that no charges have been preferred as a result of the first search.
Mr. Chiedozie was present during the second search of his home by the police. As a result of this search, charges have been brought against Mr. Chiedozie, and the case is therefore sub judice.