HC Deb 12 December 1988 vol 143 c441W
Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will issue a code of practice for police officers carrying out strip searches(a) in what circumstances strip searches should be authorised, (b) what rank of police officers should be empowered to authorise strip searches, (c) by whom strip searches should be carried out and (d) what records should be kept of strip searches.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Procedures for searching persons detained or arrested by the police are set out in force orders and instructions, with which all officers must comply. The evidence available at present to my right hon. and learned Friend does not suggest that there is a need for further guidance to the police service bearing specifically on strip searching.