HL Deb 22 July 1998 vol 592 c111WA
Lord Trefgarne

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will list categories of persons entitled to enter private property without a warrant. [HL2634]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

The police may enter private property without a warrant in certain circumstances set out in Section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. They include arresting a person for an arrestable offence, recapturing a person unlawfully at large, saving life or limb or preventing serious damage to property.

Statutory powers of entry for persons other than police constables are matters for the government department responsible for the relevant legislation. A central record of all powers of entry is not maintained.