§ 55. Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up an investigation into the way in which the search warrant system is currently working; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawNo. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 made significant changes to the procedure for police applications for search warrants, designed to ensure that those issuing warrants are fully aware of the circumstances of the application before they reach a decision. The code of practice on the searching of premises, which accompanies the Act, lays down detailed requirements on the conduct of police searches. The principal purpose of the code of practice is to see that search powers are exercised responsibly, and with minimum distress to those whose premises are the subject of a search.
These provisions have been in operation only since 1 January 1986. I understand that as part of its programme of research to monitor the operation of the 1984 Act the Economic and Social Research Council has decided to support research into the operation of the search and seizure provisions under part II of this Act. This will include arrangements for obtaining and executing search warrants.