New Clause 1 - Offence of impersonating a licensed security operative and/or approved contractor

Part of Private Security Industry Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee at 5:00 pm on 1 May 2001.

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Photo of Simon Hughes Simon Hughes Shadow Spokesperson (Home Affairs) 5:00, 1 May 2001

It certainly ought to be an offence for someone to claim to be something that they are not and present a document that purports to be something that it is not. There is a common view on that. Does the Minister believe that any of the prospective offences contemplated by the new clause are adequately covered by the existing legislation?

If the law is clear, there is no need for additional offences to be created. However, I would like to know what existing offences would be committed by somebody carrying out the activities set out in the new clause. Would it be necessary to rephrase or adapt the existing law to make it clear that it covers those activities, so that anybody with an interest knows what the consequences are if they offend? Could that be easily done?