§ Lord GARDINERasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Army unit which is referred to in paragraph 16 of the minority report of the Committee of Privy Councillors (1972, Cmnd. 4901), and which taught the Royal Ulster Constabulary the methods of interrogation referred to in that report, still exists; and if so whether it still teaches the same methods and if so to whom.
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMI take it that my noble friend is referring to paragraph 6 of the minority report of the Committee of Privy Councillors (1972, Cmnd. 4901).1456WA I can confirm that the Service Intelligence Unit mentioned there continues to exist. It is responsible for instruction in methods of interrogation in the three Services. The techniques of hooding, wall standing, the use of noise-making equipment, restricted diet and deprivation of sleep are no longer used or taught as aids to interrogation.
However, as was made clear in another place on 2nd March 1972, selected members of Her Majesty's Forces continue to be trained in resistance to these techniques. It is designed to give them a better chance of withstanding interrogation. The training is voluntary and it is a fundamental rule that Servicemen undergo it only if they consent in writing and are passed medically fit at the time.