asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many operating security companies remain outside the approved contractors scheme; and when the Security Industry Authority expects to clear the backlog of security officer licence applications.[HL7781]

As of 15 October 2006, there were 267 approved companies. As the approved contractor scheme is voluntary, there is no legal requirement for security companies to attain ACS status. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) estimates that 2,100 security companies may be eligible to apply for approved contractor status.

There is currently no backlog in placing applications onto the SIA licensing system. Correctly completed applications which are not subject to issues or inquiries about qualifications or criminality are normally processed in approximately six weeks.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Security Industry Authority is operating within planned budgets; how much overspending occurred in 2005-06; and how much is the estimated overspend for 2006-07.[HL7782]

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is intended to be self-supporting through its fee income. The SIA's budget for 2005-06 was a planned surplus of £2.2 million. In the event there was a deficit of £3.1 million.

It is expected that SIA will have a deficit in 2006-07. The original budget estimate was for a net deficit of £4.54 million. The latest estimate is a deficit of £3.7 million. A summary of the results are shown in the table.