HC Deb 20 June 2002 vol 387 c539W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his policy is on the use of children as police informants. [60856]

Jane Kennedy

The policy on the use of children as police informants is governed by Part 2 of the Regulations of Investigatory Powers 2000, Sections 29 and 43(8).

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Juvenile) Order 2000 further clarifies this issue.

In addition, the Home Office has draft codes of practice that set out the special safeguards relating to the use of juveniles. Although in draft form, they are widely available and have been used for some time.