§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what categories of information are considered admissible for entry on the criminal record system; what restrictions are applied; and what is the purpose of information that is not factual.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe information included in the national collection of criminal records is set out in form NIB 74. A copy of the form is available in the Library, as part of the memorandum submitted by the Home Office to the Home Affairs Committee in connection with its recent inquiry into the collection and use of criminal records.
The national collection of criminal records is maintained by the police to meet its operational needs. All the information contained in it is used primarily for this purpose.
§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when guidelines will be issued to chief constables to assist them in deciding whether or not to allow access to police records; and whether there are any plans to update Home Office circular No. 45/1986.
§ Mr. Peter LloydGuidance to chief officers of police about disclosure of information from police records is contained in a number of Home Office circulars including HOC 45/1986 which is scheduled for revision next year.