§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends to introduce a national scheme of tape recorded interviews between police and suspects; and if he will give a date for its commencement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggYes. We have circulated to police forces and other interested parties a draft code of practice on tape recording of interviews by police officers in police stations with persons suspected of criminal offences. After considering comments, we intend to lay the code before Parliament early next year for approval, in accordance with section 60 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
Tape recording is already under way on a trial basis in areas of several forces. So far some 34 police forces have been allocated funds for the current financial year to prepare interview rooms for use for tape recording. Further funds will be allocated to extend and complete coverage over a five-year period up to 1991.