To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what (a) primary and (b) secondary legislation sponsored by her Department has (i) amended and (ii) enhanced existing powers of entry since May 1997. (222046)

Since May 1997, Parliament has passed 73 primary enactments and 208 statutory instruments containing reference to a power of entry in England and Wales, sponsored by a range of Departments, introducing new or amending existing powers of entry. The relevant legislation is placed in the House Library.

We are currently conducting a review of the powers of entry. The review is focused on establishing the continuing need for existing powers and determining the potential for a single statutory framework for all powers of entry. The review is also examining ways in which public understanding and awareness of entry powers can be raised.

A public consultation paper will be published later this year on the proposed framework approach and raising public accessibility. Details can be found on:

http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/operational-policing/powers-pacecodes/powers-of-entry-review