§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date and for what reasons he decided to acknowledge the existence of the Force Reaction Unit; what the limits are on disclosure of information regarding the activities of this unit; and what instructions he has issued regarding the co-operation of former members of the FRU with the Stevens Inquiry. [150583]
§ Mr. SpellarI believe my hon. Friend is referring to the Force Research Unit (FRU).
In July 2000 the Ministry of Defence provided a national newspaper with information relating to a court order obtained against a former soldier, known as "R". 17W The order was obtained in order to protect lives and national security. These papers confirmed that "R" was a former member of the FRU.
Further information regarding the activities of this unit is withheld under exemption 1a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government information.
It would be inappropriate for the MOD to issue instructions to any former soldier who is to be questioned by the police on any issue. Nevertheless, the MOD is fully supportive of the Stevens Inquiry and will continue to provide it with whatever assistance it can.