§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff employed in the private contractors operation at the Customs and Excise computer centre at Southend have criminal records. [15319]
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryNone of the staff working for private contractors is known to have a criminal record.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what security arrangements appertain to the private contractors operation of the Customs and Excise computer centre at Southend; what inquiries are made to ascertain whether any staff employed have criminal records; and if he will make a statement. [15318]
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe vetting procedures for private contract staff working at the Customs and Excise computer centre are identical to those for Customs and Excise staff working there. These procedures are in accordance with the statement made to the House by the Prime Minister on 15 December 1994,Official Report, columns 764–66, and further amplified by the press notice which accompanied it.