§ Annabelle EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the content was of the applicable regulation in force concerning the qualifying age for a private in the army to carry a weapon when engaged on general security duties in each year since 1994; and how(a) general security duties, (b) weapon, (c) engaged and (d) carrying are defined for the purposes of such regulation. [69286]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 16 July 2002]: I am withholding information on the detail of the regulations in force since 1994 in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. In general terms, however, the regulations outline the eligibility of Army personnel for armed security duties, covering principally the training standards to be met, but also stipulating the minimum age requirement, namely having reached the age of 17 years.
The following definitions apply:
(a) general security duties
Security duty on the Defence Estate including access/egress control, issue of passes, vehicle searching, patrolling and Quick Reaction Force duties.(b)weapon
Generally regarded as a service issue rifle, pistol or baton.(c)engaged
Carrying out a task(d)carrying
The way in which a weapon is held, which will depend on the nature of duties and weapon.