§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the guidelines which he has issued to chief constables on the use of bugging devices by officers within their control; and if he will ensure that in the review of those guidelines which he proposes to initiate there will be a full opportunity for hon. Members to express their opinions.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make available to hon. Members a copy of the guidelines issued to chief constables covering the bugging of public telephone kiosks; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Whitelaw[pursuant to his reply, 15 February 1982, c. 5.]: I have placed a copy of the guidelines in the Library of the House. They were issued to chief constables on 1 July 1977 and remain in force. Before that police use of equipment in surveillance operations was not the subject of Home Office guidance and as stated in my reply I am reviewing the guidelines and would be glad to take into account any views which hon. Members may care to put to me.
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