To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what vetting and other safeguards exist to ensure the suitability of people sworn in as constables under the provisions of the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847.

It is for the authority responsible for the relevant dock or harbour to exercise its discretion as to the suitability of individual applicants.Home Office Circular 45/86 provides that criminal records checks may be made on applicants to join a police force, including the ports police covered by the Harbour Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what vetting and other safeguards exist to ensure the suitability of people sworn in as constables and employed by the City of Westminster and London Borough of Wandsworth councils to operate in their parks.

This is a matter for the local authorities concerned.