§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has sought to satisfy himself that in all cases of the use by the Metropolitan police of entrapment techniques, they have acted in accordance with paragraph 1.92 of his Department's circular; and whether he has discussed this matter with the commissioner.
§ Mr. HurdI am satisfied that this guidance is accurately reflected in the Metropolitan police general orders, and in the instruction book which is issued to all officers on appointment. As a result of discussions that the Department has had with the Metropolitan police, I understand that the commissioner is considering whether any amendment of the general orders is necessary in order to clarify further the principle enunciated in the guidance. The use of agents provocateurs, or other entrapment techniques, has been disapproved of by the courts, and it would be for the courts to determine whether any particular police operation incited the commission of offences.