§ Mr. AshdownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration his Department is giving to the statutory registration of private security companies and private investigators; what mechanisms he has for ensuring that the views of private investigators are taken into account; what consultations his Department has had with the Institute of Professional Investigators; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Government have made it clear that they look to the private security industry to provide self-regulation. Following publication of the report on the industry by the Association of Chief Police Officers, my right hon. Friend asked officials to consider with the police and the industry ways in which self-regulation might be improved and a working group has been set up for this purpose. The Home Office has been in touch with the Institute of Professional Investigators and the institute's views which have been submitted to the Home Office will be brought to the attention of the working group.