HC Deb 06 May 1994 vol 242 cc668-9W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what consideration he has given to employing ex-service personnel to replace Ministry of Defence police and civilian guards; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what consideration he has given to the future financing of the Ministry of Defence police;

(3) what plans he has to introduce performance-related pay for Ministry of Defence police;

(4) what assessment he has made of the current performance of the Ministry of Defence police;

(5) what plans he has to change the arrangements for control of Ministry of Defence police operations; and if he will make a statement;

(6) what plans he has to reduce the capability of the Ministry of Defence police to deploy armed officers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

As indicated in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, West (Sir J. Spicer) on 15 December 1993,Official Report, columns 738–39, a wide-ranging review is being carried out into the future role, aims, objectives, structure and pay of the Ministry of Defence police. This review, which is continuing, has been closely co-ordinated with the defence costs study. Formal recommendations have yet to be put to Ministers.

The MDP fulfils its current duties with a very high level of professionalism and my Department has no plans to change the arrangements for control of MOD police operations. MDP will continue to be funded by my Department at levels consistent with the requirements for its services.