§ 8. Mr. Raphael Tuckasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the number of alleged private detective agencies set up in recent months by undesirable persons, he will introduce legislation providing for registraton and strict control of private detectives.
§ Sir F. SoskiceI am not satisfied that legislation of this nature is required.
§ Mr. TuckIs the Home Secretary aware that people are being swindled right and left by these new bogus detective agencies which are springing up and that it is causing embarrassment to genuine detective agencies, because it is bringing them into disrepute? Will he consider consulting the Commissioner of Police and the various chief constables, and perhaps the Law Society and the Bar Council, with a view to preventing this wholesale deception?
§ Sir F. SoskiceI have no information at my disposition which would support what the hon. Member has said. I will very readily consider any information he may be able to furnish to me. The information available to the police does not, at the moment, confirm that there has 718 been a recent increase in the number of undesirable agencies.
§ Mr. Kenneth LewisDoes not the right hon. and learned Gentleman think that it would be a great advantage for the police to know not only where there were detective agencies but where security services were developing outside of police forces? Would he not agree that if they knew where they were they could at least get some mutual co-operation?
§ Sir F. SoskiceThe Question put to me is whether I will introduce legislation. I cannot see any need for legislation. The question of private security organisations is a different matter and does not arise, so far as I can see, within the scope of the Question.