§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the current strength, in each rank, of the police force of the Atomic Energy Authority.
§ Mr. EadieIt would not be in the national interest to give this information in detail. In general the current strength of the Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary at all AEA and British Nuclear Fuels Limited establishments is approximately 400.
§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the procedure for the handling of complaints by members of the public against the police force of the Atomic Energy Authority.
§ Mr. EadieIn addition to the constabulary's own internal procedures for handling complaints from the public for Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary is subject to the juridiction of the Authority's management and to the civil police if any offence is suspected.
§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will list his present responsibilities in respect of the police force of the Atomic Energy Authority.
§ Mr. EadieThe Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary is a force of civil police attested under the Special Constables Act 1923 as extended by the Emergency Laws (Miscellaneous Functions) Act 1947 and the Atomic Energy Authority Act 1954 and is under the exclusive control of the Atomic Energy Authority. My right hon. Friend has no specific responsibilities but the Government take steps to satisfy themselves that 19W the arrangements for safeguarding nuclear installations are adequate in the light of the circumstances prevailing.
§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Energy what instructions are at present given to members of the police force of the Atomic Energy Authority about the use of firearms.
§ Mr. EadieIndividual instructions are issued to members of the Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary about the use of firearms. It would not be in the public interest to disclose them.