§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Minister for the Civil Service what use is currently being made by Government Departments of private security organisations; which companies are used; and what plans he has to increase the use of their services.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisNo central record is kept of contracts with private security organisations, and I regret that the detailed information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. We believe, however, that about 30 Departments find it necessary to make use of private security companies; 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.