§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the voluntary sector regarding proposals in the Police Bill[Lords] to charge volunteers for access to criminal record checks; and if he will make a statement. [15149]
§ Mr. MacleanWe have received many representations from the voluntary sector about the charging of fees for criminal record checks.
In response to these representations, my right hon. and learned Friend announced to the House, during Second Reading of the Police Bill [Lords] on 12 February, that we shall seek to amend the Bill to introduce an order-making power to enable free checks to be provided for specific groups, such as volunteers, when the money could be made available to cover the costs.