HC Deb 26 July 1977 vol 936 cc149-50W
Sir Nigel Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present complement of Department C11 of the Metropolitan Police; how many are civilians; to what degree the staff have been vetted in connection with possible past connections with criminals; and what safeguards exist to ensure that information gathered by the unit is verified before being placed on file.

Dr. Summerskill

Excluding the Central Drugs and Illegal Immigration Intelligence Units and the National Central Bureau of Interpol, the present complement of Criminal Intelligence Branch is 96, of whom 12 are civilians.

The Commissioner informs me that police and civilian staff are chosen having due regard to their known integrity and their proven ability for the specialised work. All are regularly reported upon as are other officers and civilian employees in the Force. In addition, all staff of Criminal Intelligence are subject to continual close scrutiny by supervisory officers because of the sensitive nature of the duties performed. No person is employed in Criminal Intelligence who is suspected of having any criminal connections formed or developed for an improper purpose.

All intelligence gathered by the unit is verified as far as possible. That which is not capable of verification is so recorded and treated with proper reserve.

Sir Nigel Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what safeguards and restraints are laid down for the operation of the Criminal Intelligence Unit; what information has been made available on the work of the unit; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Summerskill

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that no unauthorised persons are permitted within the unit. There is a strict embargo on the removal of records from the unit by any person, staff or otherwise. Requests to the unit for information are closely scrutinised and any cases of doubt are referrd to a senior officer for decision.

The Commissioner has referred in his annual report to the general value of the work of the branch. By virtue of the nature of that work, detailed disclosure of what is accomplished would gravely hamper its future effectiveness.