§ Lord Harris of Greenwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
When the discussions between the Home Office and the British Security Industry Association on self-regulation of the industry began; how many meetings have subsequently taken place; when the issue of safe-deposit centres will be discussed, and when it is expected that the talks will be concluded.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)The Working Group on Regulation of the Private Security Industry includes representatives from the Home Office; the Association of Chief Police Officers; the British Security Industry Association; and other representative associations from the private security industry. The first meeting took place on 17th January, and a second was held on 14th February, with further meetings planned for March and April; but it is too soon to say when the talks will be concluded. Separate discussions have taken place with the British Security Industry Association on the possibility of bringing safe deposit centres within a regulatory framework.