§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions the Army in Northern Ireland has to deal with persons failing to stop at a 695W vehicle check point; and what action they are instructed to take if persons abandon a vehicle within sight of a check point and attempt to make a getaway by foot.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe Northern Ireland Emergency Provisions Act 1978 allows soldiers to stop and search any person or vehicle. Anyone who refuses to stop or submit to a search when asked to do so commits an arrestable offence. Soldiers' training and instructions are clear that, in making an arrest, they must use no more than the minimum force necessary. It would not be helpful to make public the detailed orders given to soldiers mounting vehicle check points or indeed engaged in any other kinds of operations aimed at preventing terrorism.