§ 57. Mr. Donnellyasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement regarding an incident at Pembrey on Thursday, 30th April, involving a detachment of Life Guards, who were obstructed by demonstrators demonstrating against the Government's proposals for the Pembrey Gunnery Range; and what steps he took to protect Her Majesty's Forces from civil demonstrators.
§ Mr. Richard:The troops were engaged on a routine training exercise. They were delayed for about two hours as a result of obstruction by demonstrators of which they had received no prior warning. When troops find themselves involved in a demonstration under these circumstances action in the event of a breach of the peace is primarily a matter for the civil police.