HC Deb 02 March 1989 vol 148 cc273-4W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about tape recording police interviews with suspects.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to his question of 15 December at column715. We plan to lay the first order under section 60(1)(b) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 during the current parliamentary session. The order will require the tape recording of interviews in accordance with the codes of practice in areas specified in the order. We are discussing with the Association of Chief Police Officers the timing of the first order and which forces it should cover.