§ Mr. NorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the extent of preventable loss arising from theft or misappropriation in his Department.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Department's assessment of preventable loss arising within the Department in the year 1988–89 is nil. Internal management and financial control procedures are under continuous scrutiny to ensure, as far as possible, that no preventable loss arises.
§ Mr. NorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health 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.
§ Mr. FreemanIt is not possible to give an answer in the form requested as the Department does not employ a specific class of loss-prevention officers. There is a general exhortation to all staff to take proper care of property and services for which they are responsible and for line managers to ensure that there is sound management of such resources. Internal audit procedures are undertaken by staff with appropriate training and security guard services are provided by a mixture of departmental staff and private companies.