§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the construction industry about the practice of construction plant and machinery being stolen and dismantled on an organised basis for export abroad as spares and then reassembled for sale; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GowNone, but I share the industry's concern, and I welcome the efforts that are being made to tackle the problem. The Building Employers Confederation operates an advisory service on security, and a number of leading industry organisations have formed the theft of plant joint action committee. Ultimate responsibility for dealing with theft rests with the police authorities, and I understand that the joint action committee has written to my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary about this.