HC Deb 21 October 2003 vol 411 cc519-20W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the accountability of the Ministry of Defence Police. [132445]

Mr. Caplin

The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) are accountable to the Secretary of State, and therefore to Parliament for their actions. The role of the MOD Police Committee is now comparable to that of a police authority, mirroring best practice where appropriate. The committee focuses on strategic advice and governance, and holds MDP to account on a wide range of issues including complaints and discipline and the use of the extended jurisdiction granted to the MDP under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001. A number of independent members sit on the committee.

The Chief Constable's Annual Report and Accounts as well as his annual Key Targets are in the public domain. The Chief Constable now also provides an annual Operational Report. When this is available a copy will be placed in the Library of the House. The Chief Constable can be called before Select Committees if required and constituents of Members of Parliament may raise questions with the Secretary of State for Defence and the Chief Constable on the force and its activities.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department expects to publish the second stage of the Quinquennial Review of the Ministry of Defence Police; and if he will make a statement. [132446]

Mr. Caplin

We have no plans to publish material relating to the second stage of the Ministry of Defence Police Quinquennial Review, as most of the issues relate to internal Ministry of Defence Police matters. This concerned governance and accountability, with particular reference to the MOD Police Committee.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the timetable is for implementing provisions of the Police Reform Act 2002 concerning the Ministry of Defence Police; and if he will make a statement. [132447]

Mr. Caplin

The Police Reform Act 2002 includes four sections that are specific to the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP). Three sections of the Police Reform Act 2002 have been implemented already. These allow for MDP officers to serve with other police forces under the direction of the chief officer of the force with which they are serving; place inspections by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary on a statutory basis; and allow potential recruits to the MDP to use firearms without a certificate for the purpose of assessment.

The final section concerns disciplinary procedures for the MDP, and the process to change these procedures is nearly complete. I expect the new procedures to be laid before Parliament early next year.