§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the policy of Special Branch in respect of the retention of files on individuals where those files were created because the individuals concerned were suspected of subversion; what rights are available to the individuals concerned; and if he will make a statement. [57569]
§ Mr. StrawAll Special Branches in England, Wales and Scotland operate under the "Guidelines on Special Branch Work in Great Britain", published in July 1994. In addition to subversion, the Guidelines also cover terrorism, espionage, sabotage and counter-proliferation. Paragraph 20 of the Guidelines provides that
Each Special Branch should ߪ maintain an effective system both for updating information where necessary and for the identification and destruction of information which can no longer be clearly related to the discharge of its functions.If an individual has reason to believe that a particular Special Branch is failing to comply with the Guidelines, he may address a complaint either to the Chief Constable of the force concerned, or he can approach the Police Complaints Authority. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary undertakes a regular programme of inspections of Special Branches.