§ Sir L. Lyleasked the Minister of Health in what circumstances and by what authority of statute or legislation officers of his Department exercise the power to enter private residences for any purposes whatever?
§ Mr. E. BrownUnder a large number of enactments, including the Civil Defence Act, 1939, and the Defence Regulations, persons authorised by the Minister of Health or by local authorities are entitled on production of an authenticated document showing their authority to enter premises for the purposes of the Act. I have reason to think that in the great majority of cases these powers are exercised with the consent of the owner or householder.
§ Sir L. Lyleasked the Home Secretary in what circumstances and by what authority of statute or legislation officers of his Department exercise the power to enter private residences for any purpose whatever with or without a warrant?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThere are a few Acts of Parliament under which Home Office inspectors have authority to enter premises, which may in certain cases be private premises, for the purpose of enforcing the Acts. Instances are the Acts relating to the keeping of explosives and petroleum. There are also some provisions under which members of the Natonal Fire Service are authorised to enter premises, including private premises, for the purpose of fire-fighting or fire-prevention. I will send my hon. Friend a list of these provisions if he so desires.