§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 7 February 2002,Official Report, columns 1160–64W, on stolen equipment, what criminal proceedings have been undertaken for cases of theft against his Department, stating in each case (a) whether the proceedings (i) led to a criminal conviction and (ii) were unsuccessful, (b) the cost incurred by his Department in pursuing a conviction and (c) the value of items recovered; and if he will make a statement. [41508]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 18 March 2002]: All losses are investigated by the Department and stolen equipment has been recovered on some occasions to the value of about £5,000. Losses over £500 are reported to the police. It has not been possible to bring criminal proceedings in any one case mainly due to a lack of evidence. We have progressively put in place a series of measures to combat our losses from both organised and opportunistic theft. We take seriously the theft and loss of our assets. We recognise the importance of safeguarding our equipment both inside and outside the office.