§ Mr. Georgeasked the Minister for the Civil Service how many private security companies are employed by Government Departments; and if he will list the names of these companies and the Departments with which they are associated.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisBecause no central record is kept of contracts with security companies I regret that the exact information requested could not be obtained without disproportionate cost. I understand that some 30 Departments make use of private security companies, and that in most cases such companies are engaged either to protect and control access to Government buildings or for cash-carrying operations. The circumstances of individual Departments vary widely, and the Civil Service Department leaves to the discretion of each Department the decision whether to employ such companies, and, if so, for what purposes. My Department does, of course, give advice when asked to do so.