HC Deb 31 July 1975 vol 896 c578W
Mr. boson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what guidelines are given to the police regarding the maintenance in their possession of photographs of unconvicted men and women;

(2) if, in consultation with chief constables, he will take steps to initiate a code of practice whereby, if the police are in possession of any photographs of unconvicted men and women and intend to preserve them, they will inform the subject of that decision.

Dr. Summerskill

The Home Office has from time to time discussed with chief officers of police their practice in this matter and the need to ensure that it does not go beyond what is essential for the proper performance of police duties. We do not consider it necessary to offer further guidance in addition to that issued and published in 1969, with the approval of the then Lord Chief Justice, on the use of photographs in identifying suspects.