Security Service Act 1989

3Warrants

(1)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.

(7)In this section “working day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, Christmas Day, Good Friday or a day which is a bank holiday under the [1971 c. 80.] Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 in any part of the United Kingdom.