§ 20. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the concern arising from the fact that soldiers ordered to search for Frank Mitchell, a mental patient, after his escape from Broadmoor, were armed with sten guns; and if he will make a statement giving the number of soldiers so armed and details of the orders given to them as to the use of the automatic weapons.
§ Mr. SoamesSome 400 troops were used, of whom seven officers and five N.C.Os. were armed with revolvers or sten guns. They were ordered to carry their guns unloaded and not to load or fire unless any of their men were in imminent danger. Shortly after the search began, it was decided that the weapons were unnecessary and all ammunition was withdrawn.
§ Mr. DoddsBut does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the change of policy, that, in hunting a mental patient, soldiers were armed with sten guns? Even if they are without ammunition, is he not aware that many people are certified for far less good reason than that, and if they have it, are there not more 1220 terrible risks involved merely in trying to obtain the return of one mental patient? Will he see that this is stopped in future?
§ Mr. SoamesWhen acting in support of the civil power, the Army does not carry weapons, but in this particular instance, at 1 o'clock in the morning, the commanding officer at Arborfield Barracks was approached by the police and asked to provide a number of troops to help in searching for this man. He was told that the man was dangerous and might, it was thought, be armed with something, and the officer concerned did what he thought wise for the protection of his troops.