asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what requirements there are on the police to issue receipts for all property which may be taken by them for investigation in relation to suspected offences; and if he will issue a circular giving clear guidelines as to the methods of safeguarding and protecting the property of innocent persons.

The police record all property which comes into their possession. When a person is arrested it is standard practice for the police to list his personal property on a charge or detention sheet, which he is invited to countersign. In addition, the police will normally give a receipt on request in respect of property seized in other circumstances. My Department has recently reviewed these matters in consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers, and we are not persuaded that additional guidance is required.