§ Mr. NorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he will list the number of professionally qualified loss-prevention staff employed by his Department and the qualifications held by such staff, excluding qualifications obtained during police or military service.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardIt is not possible to give an answer in the form requested as the Department does not employ a specific class of loss prevention officers. There is a general exhortation to all staff to take proper care of property and services for which they are responsible and for line managers to ensure that there is sound management of such resources. Internal audit procedures are undertaken by staff with appropriate training and security guard services are provided by a mixture of departmental staff and private companies.