§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have applied to be civilian searchers; whether he is satisfied about the methods of interviewing and selection; what arrangements are made for training and whether any procedure exists for testing the efficacy of the work carried out by the civilian searchers; and if he is satisfied with the standard of the searches.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesUp to 2nd November. 1,778 persons had applied to join the Civilian Search Unit. I have no reason to doubt the effectiveness of the interview and selection procedure. Instruction in the work is given in cooperation with the security forces and the Department of Forensic Science. Searching is carried out under the direction of the police and I am satisfied that it is thorough and effective.