§ 3.12 p.m.
§ LORD MILNER OF LEEDSMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of the continuance and extension of murderous attacks on individuals in Cyprus, especially by shots in the back, the provision of bullet-proof vests for those Servicemen and others specially exposed, may be reconsidered.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COLONIAL AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF PERTH)My Lords, a supply of bulletproof vests is held by the Security Forces in Cyprus and issued to men who are engaged on duties which make them particularly vulnerable to terrorist attack. These men include escorts, certain patrols and members of administrative units. A further supply of some hundreds is being sent out shortly.
§ LORD MILNER OF LEEDSMy Lords, whilst thanking the noble Earl, may I ask whether I am to understand that bullet-proof vests are in fact in issue in Cyprus? Because I have a letter from the Secretary of State at the War Office, written only a week ago, in which he gave reasons for not adopting such a course.
§ THE EARL OF PERTHMy Lords, I am puzzled by the letter to which the noble Lord refers, because they are in Cyprus and are in use.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, do I gather that there is confusion about the situation? Can we have the assurance of the Minister of State that the jackets are in course of issue now? Would he also tell us whether any special conditions are attached to the armament of civilians? If they are to be sworn in as special constables and the like, will they also be issued with the same protection?
§ THE EARL OF PERTHMY Lords, I think there is no doubt that bullet-proof vests are being used at the present time. They are not being used by everybody. They have been used for those who have special and hazardous duties. As to whether they should be issued to civilians, that clearly must depend on the circumstances and the judgment of the Governor and the Director of Operations.
§ LORD MILNER OF LEEDSMy Lords, is there not a lack of co-ordination in the various Government Departments, in view of the fact that the Secretary of State, in his letter written to me as recently as November 3, said:
We have decided that the disadvantages of this type of equipment outweigh the advantages "—and goes on to say—We shall keep this question of protective clothing very much in mind."?Does not that quite clearly indicate that the War Office are apparently not aware that these vests are in issue?
§ THE EARL OF PERTHMy Lords, the only thing I can suggest is that perhaps there are two types of bullet-proof vest. Indeed, I know that in that connection there is a further type of bulletproof vest which is thought to be even more effective than the one that I am talking about. It is still going through its tests. These vests have pot yet been passed, so it would be too early to talk of issue. But the other bullet-proof vest to which I have referred is being used at the present time.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, in view of this appearance, at least, of confusion, could we ask the Minister of State to make it a matter of special inquiry and to come to the House and make a statement on the matter?
§ THE EARL OF PERTHMy Lords, I should be only too pleased to make a special inquiry, and if what I have said is incorrect or there is any confusion I will see that it is cleared up.