§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to investigate the charges private wheel-clamping companies levy for unclamping cars; [38103]
(2) what assistance his Department offers (a) the police and (b) local authorities on controlling the activities of wheel-clampers; [38100]
(3) what plans he has to regulate companies in the wheel-clamping sector; [38098]
(4) if he will introduce regulations for stricter controls on unlawful wheel-clamping; [38104]
(5) what advice his Department gives to police authorities on the activities of wheel-clamping companies. [38099]
§ Mr. DenhamCurrently there are no regulations relating to clamping on private roads. However, last year the Government introduced the Private Security Industry Act 2001, in part because of concerns about the unscrupulous behaviour of some clamping companies. The Act specifies the creation of a Security Industry Authority. The authority, which will regulate the industry through licensing, will begin operations in 2003; it will have wheel-clamping as one of its priority areas.