Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by David Heathcoat-Amory (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 8 February 2010 on behalf of the Home Office.

Stop-and-Search Powers

Question: Since the police can use random stop-and-search powers to look for personal items such as cameras, and people can be stopped from photographing public buildings, are we not in danger of going back to what East Germany was like before the wall came down, when people could be arrested for photographing a bridge? As Parliament's intentions in this respect are being exceeded, will the Government look again at the matter in order to maintain confidence between the public and police?

Answer: I believe that Parliament's intentions are being met. We face a severe threat of potential terrorist activity. Every approval of section 44 powers is by a senior officer in the local police force, and is then subject to my approval as the Minister, and to independent review by the noble Lord Carlile. In London alone over the last year, we have seen a 40 per cent. increase in the use of section 44. It remains an important tool in stop and search, not least because it is a deterrent and can help to foil potential terrorist activity.

Secondary information