§ Vernon CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to extend section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to the private sector; and if he will make a statement. [66832]
§ Mr. DenhamThe private sector has a key role in contributing to the delivery of crime and disorder reduction. The 1998 Act requires that the private sector are invited to participate in the development and implementation of crime and disorder reduction strategies for their area in co-operation with the local crime and disorder reduction partnership. We will shortly be embarking on extensive consultation with representatives from business organisations on how best to create a more effective partnership between business, Government and other key stakeholders to deliver reductions in crime and disorder.