§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the spheres of activity in which the Armed Forces are expected to co-operate with the police; and whether any changes in this policy have occurred over the course of the last five years.
§ Mr. MasonThe Service man has a duty under the common law, as does every citizen, to respond to a request from the civil power for assistance in the maintenance of law and order. Current examples are the operations in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland, and assistance given to police forces in Great Britain in bomb disposal and in counter-terrorist operations at Heathrow Airport. The Armed Forces may also be asked to assist the emergency services, including the police, in the event of natural disasters and major accidents. There has been no change of policy over the course of the last five years.