§ Mr. NorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what assessment he has made of the extent of preventable loss arising from theft or misappropriation in his Department.
§ Mrs. RumboldThere is no assessment as such, as known preventable losses are prevented. The Department takes all reasonable steps to ensure that loss arising from theft or misappropriation is prevented. Financial controls operate to this end and the Department's internal audit668W unit provides assurance on their adequacy, effectiveness and application. The annual internal risk assessment and plan of work takes account of potential exposure. The Department's annual report of fraud to Her Majesty's Treasury for the financial year 1988–89 contained no cases of fraud perpetrated within the Department. Reassessment would occur in the light of evidence of losses from theft or misappropriation in the Department.
§ Mr. NorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will list the number of professionally qualified loss prevention staff employed by his Department and the qualifications held by such staff, excluding qualifications obtained during police or military service.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Department does not employ any professionally qualified loss prevention staff. Physical security is provided by private security companies and the Property Services Agency.