§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to extend police powers of entry into private premises to conduct searches if it is believed that explosives or ammunition are being kept there.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMy right hon. Friend is discussing with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment and with the director of the Health and Safety Commission new draft regulations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 in order to improve controls over the storage of explosives on private premises. We are considering the designation of a small number of police officers as inspectors under the 1974 Act. They will attract, under section 20 of the Act, those powers which are necessary for them to fulfil their duties under the proposed Control of Explosives Regulations.