HC Deb 23 November 1971 vol 826 cc343-4W
Mr. George Cunningham

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many machines are possessed by the British Forces designed to emit electronic noise to induce prisoners to provide information.

Lord Balniel

The British Services possess three machines which produce noise in order to prevent those being interrogated overhearing or communicating with each other and so recognising each other; and to increase their sense of isolation and thus help the process of interrogation.

Mr. George Cunningham

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the decibel rate of the electronic noise machine referred to in the Compton Report.

Lord Balniel

The degree of noise used at the interrogation centre in Northern Ireland was set at a level which was checked by the medical officer at the centre before interrogation began. In addition the guards and administrative staff at the centre, who were subject to the noise as well as the detainees, had instructions to complain if the level became excessive.

Mr. George Cunningham

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will publish the text of any detailed instructions given to security forces on the wall-standing, hooding, sonic bombardment and starvation techniques described in the Compton Report.

Lord Balniel

No; but all relevant information about the instructions given to the security forces on the techniques used in support of interrogation will be available to the Committee of Privy Councillors under Lord Parker's chairmanship.

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