§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the cost of providing an allowance to armed forces personnel towards the cost of installation of bullet-proof glass in their personal cars; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonAll proposals, including the installation of bullet-proof glass, are considered in relation to the threat and their cost-effectiveness. It is not our policy to divulge the details of our security precautions.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice is offered to armed forces personnel on personal security when off duty.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonWe have a comprehensive security education programme aimed at reducing the security risk to all service personnel and Ministry of Defence-employed civilians. The intention is to provide sensible and practical advice in a number of different formats (for example, videos and lectures). The type of advice provided includes the need to avoid clothing or luggage which could identify an individual as a member of the services; the importance of checking vehicles for bombs and booby traps and the need to be aware of the danger of any unnecessary gathering in a group in a public place. The central message of the programme is that personal awareness is the key to security.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has assessed the potential security risk of the Royal British Legion selling mailing lists of ex-service men and women.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe Ministry of Defence has no responsibility for the Royal British Legion. However, the Royal British Legion has sought and accepted the Department's advice on the security arrangements for its mailing lists.