HC Deb 20 October 1989 vol 158 c265W
Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue a code of practice covering the use of video cameras for surveillance purposes to combat crimes and installed in public places by either police authorities, local authorities or private security firms; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

The Home Office issued guidelines in 1984 for the police on the use of surveillance equipment. These guidelines make it clear that CCTV devices should be used by the police only where they are necessary for the efficient conduct of police operations and with due regard for the intrusion of privacy that may result in particular circumstances.