§ Mrs. Betty WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds of funding the Criminal Records Bureau(a) centrally and (b) by charges for certificates issued. [148041]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeWork on determining the bureau's costs is continuing. An announcement about charges will be made as soon as possible.
§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he gives to voluntary associations which operate in England and Scotland on paying a contribution to the Criminal Records Bureau. [148694]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeNo such guidance has been issued, although detailed information and guidance on the operation of the Criminal Records Bureau will be made available before it begins to issue certificates. An announcement on the level of charge will be made shortly. Separate arrangements will apply in Scotland, where checks will be made by the Scottish Criminal Records Office.