HL Deb 13 May 1987 vol 487 cc711-2WA
Lord Brougham and Vaux

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to make improved arrangements for police units at ports to enforce the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984.

The Minister of State, Home Office (The Earl of Caithness)

My right honourable friend the Home Secretary has decided to establish a National Coordinator of Port Policing who will provide advice and assistance to chief officers of police on police work at ports, co-ordinate the work of police units, and represent them in liaison with other services involved in ports. The post of national co-ordinator will be at assistant chief constable rank. The new arrangement adopts recommendations made by H.M. Inspector of Constabulary on the work of police operating the port controls provided in the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984. The new arrangements will operate initially for a trial period of two years.