2
Security Service Act 1989
c. 5
(b) that the Service does not take any action to further the interests
of any political party.
(3) The arrangements mentioned in subsection (2)(a) above shall be
such as to ensure that information in the possession of the Service is not
disclosed for use in determining whether a person should be employed, or
continue to be employed, by any person, or in any office or capacity,
except in accordance with provisions in that behalf approved by the
Secretary of State.
(4) The Director-General shall make an annual report on the work of
the Service to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State and may at
any time report to either of them on any matter relating to its work.
Warrants.
3.—(l) No entry on or interference with property shall be unlawful if
it is authorised by a warrant issued by the Secretary of State under this
section.
(2) The Secretary of State may on an application made by the Service
issue a warrant under this section authorising the taking of such action
as is specified in the warrant in respect of any property so specified if the
Secretary of State—
(a) thinks it necessary for the action to be taken in order to obtain
information which—
(i) is likely to be of substantial value in assisting the Service
to discharge any of its functions; and
(ii) cannot reasonably be obtained by other means; and
(b) is satisfied that satisfactory arrangements are in force under
section 2(2)(a) above with respect to the disclosure of
information obtained by virtue of this section and that the
information obtained under the warrant will be subject to those
arrangements.
(3) A warrant shall not be issued under this section except—
(a) under the hand of the Secretary of State; or
(b) in an urgent case where the Secretary of State has expressly
authorised its issue and a statement of that fact is endorsed on
it, under the hand of an official of his department of or above
Grade 3.
(4) A warrant shall, unless renewed under subsection (5) below, cease
to have effect—
(a) if the warrant was under the hand of the Secretary of State, at the
end of the period of six months beginning with the day on which
it was issued;
(b) in any other case, at the end of the period ending with the second
working day following that day.
(5) If at any time before the day on which a warrant would cease to
have effect the Secretary of State considers it necessary for the warrant to
continue to have effect for the purpose for which it was issued, he may by
an instrument under his hand renew it for a period of six months
beginning with that day.
(6) The Secretary of State shall cancel a warrant if he is satisfied that
the action authorised by it is no longer necessary.