HC Deb 09 April 2001 vol 366 cc455-6W
11. Mr. Michael Jabez Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whit proposals he has for licensing wheel-dampers. [156030]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Private Security Industry Bill, which was introduced in the Houselast month, sets out proposals to regulate private wheel-clampers. Under the Bill anyone engaged in wheel-clamping by way of business or employment or for monetary gain will need to obtain a licence from the regulatory authority which is also being set up under the legislation.

Ms Dari Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the Private Security Industry Bill. [156054]

Mr. Charles Clarke

We have received representations from a number of organisations and individuals includingcompanies and individuals working in the private security industry; local authorities and their associations; Members of Parliament; Members of the House of Lords; representative bodies in the leisure industry; the police; trade and professional associations; trade unions; and members of the public.

The representations related to a number of provisions of the Bill, including the regulation of in-house manned guards and other sectors of the industry, wheel-clamping and the licensing of security companies.

Mr. Hope

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans for regulation of club and pub doormen. [156038]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The Private Security Industry Bill provides for the establishment of a Security Industry Authority which will have responsibility for licensing individuals employed in designated sectors of the security industry, including door supervisors.

The Authority will be responsible for establishing a licensing regime for all door supervisors. This will involve setting national criteria, in consultation with the police, industry and local authorities, which will be used in deciding whether to grant a licence. Initially the criteria will involve a criminal record check, but it is envisaged that over time additional criteria relating to training and similar issues will be imposed. This aim is to ensure that only fit and proper people receive licences to operate as door supervisors. Those who do not meet the published criteria will be refused licences.