HC Deb 12 November 2003 vol 413 cc323-4W
Brian White

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what statutory investigatory powers the Department has; which ones will be superseded by use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000; and what plans she has for removing these legacy powers. [136129]

Mr. Caborn

Under section 10(8) of the Football Spectators Act 1989 it is a condition of every 'Licence to Admit Spectators' that the Football Licensing Authority (FLA) be entitled(a) to enter at any reasonable time any premises at which a designated match is being played or is to be played (b) make such inspection of the ground and such inquiries relating to them as necessary and (c) to examine any records relating to the operation of the national football membership scheme on the premises, and take copies of such records. Under section 13 (6) of the Act, any inspector appointed by the Licensing Authority may (a) enter at any reasonable time any premises at which a designated football matches are played (b) make an inspection of the premises and such inquiries relating to the ground as necessary and (c) to examine the safety certificate and any records kept under the Sports Ground Safety Act 1975, or part of that Act, and take copies of such records.

Section 43 of the Gaming Act 1968 gives the Inspectors of the Gaming Board of Great Britain the rights to entry to licensed premises and other related rights. In relation to Society Lotteries, Section 12 of Schedule 1 A (b)(c) and (d) allows the Gaming Board to inspect and take copies of documents and computer records, information kept "otherwise than in writing" and any aspect of the management of these lotteries. This also applies to powers to deal with the registration of lottery managers under Schedule 2a of the Act.

None of these existing powers will be superseded by use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and consequently there are no plans to amend or repeal any of these powers.