§ 22. Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Minister of State for Defence what are the characteristics of the interrogation in depth which is to continue to be used by British Forces.
§ Lord BalnielWhen British Forces are operating in aid of the civil power, the conduct of interrogation is a matter for the civil authorities. If it should become necessary for Service personnel to carry out interrogation in order to obtain 753 intelligence in any future military operation, the methods used would be based on the practice of the civil police in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. CunninghamDoes the right hon. Gentleman recognise that doubt will be caused by the words
the methods used would be based on the practice of the civil police in the United Kingdom"?Is he able to give a categorical assurance that the methods used by British troops, without the authority of this House, will in future be limited to the use of those methods which it is permissible for the police in this country to employ?
§ Lord BalnielThat is how I answered the Question. The methods used will be based on the practice of the civil police in the United Kingdom. The procedures will be laid down in the revised joint directive.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-GilesWill my right hon. Friend assure the House that there is no weakening in the Government's resolve to maintain and improve the quality of intelligence available to security forces in Ulster?
§ Lord BalnielI can give my hon. and gallant Friend a most categorical assurance on that subject.