HC Deb 20 June 1978 vol 952 cc111-2W
Mr. Grocott

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is provided for privately employed security guards responsible for the escort and custody of immigrants subject to deportation proceedings.

Mr. John

I understand that Securicor Ltd. provide a one-week course for all new employees and an additional one-day course for those of their employees who are to be engaged full time on the escort and detention of people detained under the Immigration Act 1971. For their first month on such duties they remain under the supervision of more experienced staff, apart from remaining at all times under the overall authority of the Immigration Service.

Mr. Grocott

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements exist for him to exercise selection, or rejection, of individual security guards employed on the escort and custody of immigrants subject to deportation proceedings.

Mr. John

The arrangements whereby attendants employed by Securicor Ltd. are used to escort and detain persons held under the Immigration Act 1971 are governed by contract between that firm and the Home Office. It has not so far been found necessary to include in that contract the kind of vetting procedures which my hon. Friend has in mind.