HC Deb 05 November 1979 vol 973 cc11-2W
Mr. David Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is given to officers in his Department and in public bodies ultimately answerable to him, who have powers of search and entry, with regard to surveillance techniques and methods of gaining entry into premises.

Mr. Whitelaw

Surveillance techniques are not used by the Home Office officials mentioned in the answer which I gave to a question by my hon. Friend on 25 October, and the manner in which their powers of entry are exercised is not such as to require special training.—[Vol. 972, c. 249–50.]

I understand that appropriate training in radio surveillance techniques and the execution of search warrants is given to Post Office officials who act as my agents under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, and that the Gaming Board for Great Britain provides appropriate training to its inspectors who have certain powers to enter and inspect premises under the Gaming Act 1968.

Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a complete list of the regulations, laws and statutory instruments which give rights of entry over private land and buildings as well as shops, offices and other buildings for the purposes of search and seizure to Government inspectors and officials and others employed in local government and statutory undertakings.

Mr. Whitelaw

I refer my hon. Friend to the information contained in appendix F to memorandum No. 111 of the Home Office evidence to the Royal Commission on criminal procedure, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.