HC Deb 07 February 1957 vol 564 cc81-2W
97. Mr. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority the Metropolitan Police, in civilian dress, stop people in daylight and challenge them as to the contents of any bags or parcels they may be carrying.

Mr. Butler

Under Section 66 of the Metropolitan Police Act, 1839, a constable has power within the Metropolitan Police District to stop, search and detain a person reasonably suspected of having or conveying anything stolen or unlawfully obtained. This power is not restricted to constables in uniform or to the hours of darkness.