§ 63. Mr. Neil Carmichaelasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the growing anxiety throughout the country at the increase in the number of private security forces; and if he will take steps to examine the uniforms used by these commercial organisations to ensure that there is no possible confusion with those of county or city police.
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§ Mr. George ThomasMy right hon. and learned Friend is aware of the activities of private security organisations and he keeps in touch with the situation. Under subsection (2) of Section 52 of the Police Act, 1964, it is an offence to wear any article of uniform so nearly resembling that of a member of a police force as to be calculated to deceive. My right hon. and learned Friend has no reason to think that this provision is ineffective, and in general he sees no cause for anxiety at present.
§ Mr. Carmichaelasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek powers to obtain figures as to how many private security organisations now offer their services commercially in this country and how many uniformed people are at present employed by these organisations.
§ Mr. George ThomasMy right hon. and learned Friend does not require special powers in order to obtain this information.