HC Deb 25 October 1979 vol 972 c302W
Mr. David Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of the officials for whom he is responsible have the power to enter premises, subject to statutory conditions; and if in each case he will indicate the statutory authority under which such power is exercised.

Sir George Young

The number of officials within the Department having this power are:

Number Statutory Authority
2,525 Section 144 of the Social Security Act 1975 and section 29 of the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976
127 Sections 35 and 39(1) of the National Assistance Act 1948, section 12 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 and sections 58 and 59(1) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969
25 Sections 111 and 112 of the Medicines Act 1968.