Re: Why didn't they use s 49 RIPA?
My guess is because section 7 is looser than the limits placed under 49 (3) of RIPA:
A disclosure requirement in respect of any protected information is necessary on grounds falling within this subsection if it is necessary—
(a)in the interests of national security;
(b)for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime; or
(c)in the interests of the economic well-being of the United Kingdom.
versus (from schedule 7):
An examining officer who questions a person under paragraph 2 may, for the purpose of determining whether he falls within section 40(1)(b)—
(a)search the person;
(b)search anything which he has with him, or which belongs to him, and which is on a ship or aircraft;
(c)search anything which he has with him, or which belongs to him, and which the examining officer reasonably believes has been, or is about to be, on a ship or aircraft;