§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many officials for whom he has responsibility currently have the power to enter and search premises, subject to statutory conditions; and if he will, in each case, indicate the statutory authority under which power is exercised.
§ Mr. ButcherOfficials for whom the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has responsibility have powers of entry and search under the following statutory provisions:
- Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, Section 15.
- Trade Descriptions Act 1968, Section 28(1)(a) and (3).
- Crystal Glass (Descriptions) Regulations 1973, Regulation 8(3) (SI 1973/1952).
- Textile Products (Indications of Fibre Content) Regulations, Regulation 9(2) (SI 1973/2124).
- Hallmarking Act 1973, Section 9(3).
- Fair Trading Act 1973, Sections 29(1)(a) and (3), 123(1).
- Prices Act 1974, paragraph 3 of Schedule and paragraphs 9 and 11 (not at present active).
- Calibration of Tanks and Vessels (EEC Requirements)
- Regulations 1975, Regulation 9(1)(b) (SI 1975/2125).
- Alcoholometers and Alcohol Hydrometers (EEC Requirements) Regulations 1977, Regulation 13(1)(b) (SI 1977/1753).
- Consumer Safety Act 1978, Schedule 2, paragraphs 3 and 5 Taximeters (EEC Requirements) Regulations 1979, Regulation 15 (SI 1979/1379).
- Industrial Development Act 1982, Schedule 1, paragraph 1(2).
- Telecommunications Act 1984, Sections 37 and 79 (79 to be read with Section 15 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949).
- Construction Plant and Equipment (Harmonisation of Noise Emission Standards) Regulations 1985 (SI 1985/1968).
- Companies Act 1985, Section 448.
It is not possible to say how many officials (even in theory) could exercise these varied powers.