§ 17. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from police authorities and others about the growth of firms hiring out private police forces.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe only representations received in recent months have been from the Joint Central Committee of the Police Federation of England and Wales, from whom a deputation was received in the Home Office on my behalf on 16th April. The deputation raised several points about the position of private security organisations, and were told that the matter was being kept under review.
§ Mr. LiptonDoes the Home Secretary view with equanimity the mushrooming of private police forces? What safeguards are there to prevent people with criminal records starting these security organisations and employing in them people with criminal records? Has not the time come to take some action?
§ Mr. ButlerI answered the hon. Member on 29th March about the use of police uniforms and said that the enforcement of the provision prohibiting the use of police uniforms was a matter for the police concerned. I then said that I was doubtful whether any further legislation was necessary. I have watched the situation since but I do not notice a mushrooming of this development. If I did, I would certainly take action.