PROBATION BIOMETRIC MACHINES

Early day motion 179, tabled 12 June 2012 by Elfyn Llwyd (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 22 members.

That this House expresses its concern that the probation service in England and Wales is intending, on a pilot basis, to introduce biometric machines to which offenders on community orders or licence would report; understands that the machine would ask the offender basic questions and use a finger print in order to recognise the individual; believes that such machines should not be used to replace, in any circumstances, face-to-face contact with experienced probation staff; and urges the Government as a matter of urgency to review this policy.

Signatures by party: Labour 12, Liberal Democrat 5, Plaid Cymru 3, Green 1, Respect 1.