HC Deb 18 February 1987 vol 110 c618W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland under what authority sheriffs for any particular district in Scotland are empowered to issue warrants without reference to a justice of the peace.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

Sheriffs have authority to issue search warrants at common law, under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 and under other statutes, and no reference to a justice of the peace is necessary in such cases.