§ 23. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now take steps to stop further encroachment by private security firms into areas of police work, and to bring existing private security firms under regulation and controls as regards their standards.
§ Dr. SummerskillI do not consider that private security firms, which offer their services mainly to protect or handle other people's property, are assuming police functions. We do not believe that additional measures of legal control are called for; but, as my hon. Friend may know, the industry association concerned recognises the importance of proper standards in this field and already operates a code of practice for its members.