HC Deb 13 February 1958 vol 582 c83W
82. Mr. Gordon Walker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority the order was issued to the Metropolitan Police in 1957 that fingerprints should be taken of all Irishmen charged with minor offences.

Mr. R. A. Butler

As I explained on 23rd May last in reply to the hon. Members for Islington, East (Mr. E. Fletcher) and Willesden, East (Mr. Orbach) the instructions to which the right hon. Member refers made it clear that the fingerprints were to be taken only with the consent of the persons concerned. No specific authority is required for the issue of such an instruction.