§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many surveillance video and other cameras are at present in operation and under the control of the Metropolitan police (a) for traffic control purposes and (b) for crime control.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:Nine closed circuit television cameras on fixed sites and a further six portable sets are used mainly for crowd and traffic control. Sixty-one video cameras are employed exclusively on traffic control duties. Additionally 10 cameras, capable of use either with closed circuit or video equipment, are available for use as the need arises for one of a variety of purposes including traffic control and crime control.
§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will issue guidelines to the police about the use of surveillance cameras upon the public and the protection of the confidentiality of the film and video tape produced by them.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:The Home Office has asked chief officers to satisfy themselves that the use of surveillance equipment in police operations is justified in all the circumstances and is authorised at an appropriately senior level in the force. Chief officers are well aware of the sensitivity of material obtained in this way.