§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Bob Ainsworth)I am pleased to announce that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has appointed Mr Andrew Clarke as the Appointed Person under section 290 of the Proceeds of Crime Act54WS 2002. He will act as an independent person to oversee searches conducted under new cash seizure powers where no prior judicial authority is obtained. He will also prepare and submit an annual report on the operation of the search power to the Secretary of State, a copy of which will be laid before Parliament. Mr Clarke's appointment will commence on 30 December 2002 to coincide with the introduction of the cash seizure powers under the Act.