HC Deb 20 June 1973 vol 858 cc150-1W
Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of employees of private security organisations who were working with each of the departments of the Home Office in each of the years July 1970–71, July 1971–72 and from July 1972 up to the present time;

(2) if he will specify the contracts which his Department has entered into with private security organisations since July 1970; and for what purpose such contracts were made;

(3) if he contemplates entering into any further contracts with private security organisations in the immediate or near future; and for what purpose.

Mr. Carlisle

Contracts have been entered into with two private security organisations since July 1970. These relate to custodial and welfare duties under the supervision of the Immigration Service; the safeguarding of cash in transit; and the control of access to Government property. The number of employees engaged in these duties depends upon the demands of the situation.

We do not at present contemplate entering into any further contracts for other purposes.