§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what are the criteria that determine which organisations' marches and demonstrations are normally photographed by the police;
(2) what is the policy of police forces on photographs being taken of those involved in peaceful marches and demonstrations; and if he will ensure that such practices cease unless there is overwhelming need on grounds of public security for such photographs being taken.
§ Mr. Peter LloydGuidelines issued by the Home Office on the use of equipment in police surveillance operations which are available in the Library make it clear that photographs and video surveillance equipment should he used by the police only when it is necessary for the efficient conduct of police operations and with due regard for the invasion of privacy which may result in particular circumstances.
Subject to the advice given in the guidelines, the use of surveillance devices is an operational matter for the police.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his reply of 10 May, on how many occasions in each of the last five years his Department has requested a report from a police force about a public procession or assembly held in the force area.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe Department has contracts at various levels within police forces which may be asked to provide information about public processions and assemblies where there is a risk of public disorder or where disorder has occurred. Reports may be obtained by phone or by correspondence depending on the circumstances. No central record is kept of the number of occasions when information about processions and assemblies has been requested from the police.