Part III Racial Hatred

Racially inflammatory material

24 Powers of entry and search.

1

If in England and Wales a justice of the peace is satisfied by information on oath laid by a constable that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has possession of written material or a recording in contravention of section 23, the justice may issue a warrant under his hand authorising any constable to enter and search the premises where it is suspected the material or recording is situated.

2

If in Scotland a sheriff or justice of the peace is satisfied by evidence on oath that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has possession of written material or a recording in contravention of section 23, the sheriff or justice may issue a warrant authorising any constable to enter and search the premises where it is suspected the material or recording is situated.

3

A constable entering or searching premises in pursuance of a warrant issued under this section may use reasonable force if necessary.

4

In this section “premises” means any place and, in particular, includes—

a

any vehicle, vessel, aircraft or hovercraft,

b

any offshore installation as defined in section 1(3) (b) of the M1Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971, and

c

any tent or movable structure.