§ Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to improve the pay structure and manpower position of the Defence Police.
§ Mr. MasonThe pay structure of the Ministry of Defence Police is a matter for the Civil Service Department, although the Ministry of Defence is consulted. I have nothing to add to the answer which my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Civil Service Department gave to the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) on 22nd March on this aspect.
It is too early to forecast the outcome of the discussions which are taking place between the Civil Service Department and the Defence Police Federation, but I am hopeful that one of the results will be an improvement in the current manning position.