§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what level of charges has been set, and on what basis, for the supply of copies of tape recordings made in the course of police investigation of criminal matters; and on what date such charges were introduced.
§ Mr. Peter LloydWhether charges are made and the level of those charges are matters for individual chief officers to determine.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take to ensure that those representing defendants in contested criminal matters are supplied with copies of tape recordings made during investigations; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydHome Office circular 76/1988, which gives guidance to the police about tape recording interviews with suspects, gives the suspect and his legal representative a right of access to a copy of the master tape if he is to be prosecuted. In practice he will either receive a copy of the tape or be afforded facilities to listen to one at a police station.