HC Deb 30 October 2002 vol 391 cc801-2W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what responsibilities under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 he plans to give local authorities; what funding will be given for these extra responsibilities; and if he will make a statement.[77332]

Mr. Denham

I have been asked to reply.

The Private Security Industry Act 2001 places responsibility for licensing individuals in the industry with the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Section 13 of the Act allows the Secretary of State to devolve to local authorities some or all of the SIA's licensing functions in respect of door supervisors. After careful consideration of the issues, including the cost implications and practicality of any such devolution, the Government have decided that all aspects of the licensing of door supervisors should be undertaken centrally by the SIA. I advised the Local Government Association of this decision on 31 August. The SIA will be discussing with local authorities how best to monitor, at local level, compliance with the licensing regime.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the ability of local authorities to regulate the activities of private clamping and towing companies; and if he will make a statement.[77333]

Mr. Bob Ainsworth

I have been asked to reply.

Local authorities do not have any statutory powers to regulate operators who clamp and remove vehicles from private land, including car parks where the public has access. However, under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, the Security Industry Authority has been given powers to regulate all persons in England and Wales who immobilise vehicles in such places, in part because of concerns about the unscrupulous behaviour of some clamping companies. The authority is expected to begin licensing clamping operators with effect from late 2003.

The provisions of the 2001 Act are limited to the immobilisation of a vehicle by the attachment of an immobilising device, and do not extend to the towing away of motor vehicles. We are, however, aware of the growing concern about towing activities and, in view of this, we are currently consulting relevant bodies (such as the police and the British Parking Association) about the scale of the problem and what, if any, measures should be introduced to address it.