HC Deb 15 January 1980 vol 976 cc1411-2
3. Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether purpose-built intelligence centres exist for training members of the armed forces and others to withstand coercive methods of interrogation such as interrogation in depth; how many such centres there are; what training is given; and how many personnel have been involved in such training, both officers and other ranks.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. Barney Hayhoe)

There are three Service establishments at which facilities exist for training in resistance to interrogation. The training, which is voluntary, is designed to give certain special categories of Service men who are prone to capture in time of war additional confidence to resist interrogation techniques to which they could be subjected. In the last full training year some 340 personnel received such training.

Mr. Barnett

Will the Minister tell us whether the torture of trainees is included in the training given in these establishments? Will he tell us whether there is any evidence that the experience of torture has the effect of increasing the victime's resistance to torture later on?

Mr. Hayhoe

The use of the word "torture" is not in any way justified by the training given. Certainly there is a degree of physical hardship and mental stress involved in that training, but it is done under medical supervision. Those involved are volunteers and, although there are many who wish to take part in this training, there are not enough places for them. The hon. Member's comments are not justified.

Mr. Cyril D. Townsend

Will the Minister bear in mind the experience of our troops who were captured in Korea? In view of the recent advancement in brainwashing techniques, would it not be highly irresponsible for this Government not to ensure that our officers and senior warrant officers were trained, both in resisting capture and resisting the techniques that might be used upon them by a potential enemy?

Mr. Hayhoe

I think that the training that is undertaken is wholly justified and it would be wrong if our Service men were denied this opportunity.

Mr. Hooley

Would the Government not be better employed in supporting international efforts for the abolition of torture rather than indulging in experimenting in it?

Mr. Hayhoe

We have certainly co-operated with the efforts of Amnesty International in the past. Obviously we are not involved in torturing anyone, but we do believe that it is right and proper that this training should be given to our own Service personnel where it is appropriate.