HC Deb 06 March 1975 vol 887 c467W
25. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study he has made of the growth of private police forces and private armies in England and Wales; if he will lay down regulations controlling the recruitment, training, and arming of private security forces; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

It is an offence for anyone to organise a private police force or a private army, or to suggest falsely that he is a constable or a soldier, or to possess a firearm without a certificate. Anyone breaking the law in these respects is liable to prosecution. I have no present proposals for regulating the work of security firms. Their employees have no special powers or privileges and are in all respects subject to the law, including the law relating to firearms and other offensive weapons.