HC Deb 15 November 1976 vol 919 cc337-8W
Mr. Dodsworth

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the procedure for registering complaints against the Atomic Energy Authority Special Constables' Security Service.

Mr. Eadie

Complaints should be made to the Authority's Chief Constable either directly or through one of his officers. The procedure for dealing with complaints is similar to that used in other constabularies, and the Authority has indicated that it will apply to its Force the new procedures provided by the Police Act 1976 once those are in operation. Comparable arrangements will be made in Scotland.

Mr. Dodsworth

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the accountability of the Atomic Energy Authority Special Constables Force to Parliament.

Mr. Eadie

Day-to-day management of the force is a matter for the AEA which, under the Special Constables Act 1923, has exclusive control of its constables. As was stated in Coe House on 4th May 1976, the Authority is responsible to Parliament through my right hon. Friend who will be ready to answer in Parliament for any incident, apart from training, in which weapons are fired by the AEA Police.