That this House calls on Her Majesty's Government to reconsider the proposal to hand over to a private security company most of the work done by the 700 security guards employed in the Century-Old Custody Service, guarding London's most sensitive buildings, including 10 Downing Street, the Royal palaces, the Treasury, the Home Office and the Tower of London; further believes that the proposition is particularly ill-timed in the light of the increased terrorist threat to UK cities; and is resolved that nothing should be done at this d ifficult time which might weaken high standards of security.

That this House calls on Her Majesty's Government to reconsider the proposal to hand over to a private security company most of the work done by the 700 security guards employed in the Century-Old Custody Service, guarding London's most sensitive buildings, including 10 Downing Street, the Royal palaces, the Treasury,...

That this House expresses concern regarding proposals to privatise the Custody Service; notes that the Custody Service employs approximately 800 vetted guards who protect more than 100 buildings in London including the Treasury, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Overseas Development Agency; believes that the security of these buildings is of high political sensitivity; fears that their safety and the safety of the staff working in them cannot be guaranteed should the service be privatised; recognises the efficiency, integrity and professionalism of the Custody Service and the loyalty and dedication of its staff; notes that the Service is able to provide back-up security to all other uniformed services in the Civil Service at short notice, and calls on the Government to abandon its plans for privatisation immediately.

That this House expresses concern regarding proposals to privatise the Custody Service; notes that the Custody Service employs approximately 800 vetted guards who protect more than 100 buildings in London including the Treasury, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Overseas Development Agency; believes that the security of these buildings is of...

That this House deplores the decision of Her Majesty's Government to put the Custody Service up for privatisation contrary to the Government's endorsement of the principle of five year intervals between reviews contained in CMD 2748, The Civil Service, Taking forward Continuity and Change; notes that the Custody Service will be marking its centenary of an efficient and cost-effective service in 1999; that 95 per cent. of its costs are wage related and therefore any privatisation can only lead to increased costs to its main customer, the Government, to which it supplies a deluxe service; notes its 700 staff are fully vetted and cleared personnel and that its staff turnover is between 5 per cent. and 10 per cent. per annum compared with the private sector's 30 per cent. to 40 per cent.; and urges the Government to withdraw this foolish and expensive doctrinaire proposal.

That this House deplores the decision of Her Majesty's Government to put the Custody Service up for privatisation contrary to the Government's endorsement of the principle of five year intervals between reviews contained in CMD 2748, The Civil Service, Taking forward Continuity and Change; notes that the Custody Service will...