HC Deb 01 February 1982 vol 17 cc66-7W
Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the recommendations of the Bennett committee on the introduction of a training programme for Royal Ulster Constabulary interviewing officers has been implemented; if so, when the training programme was introduced; what it consists of; whether it is compulsory for all interviewing officers to complete the course; and how many have completed the programme so far.

Mr. Prior

The recommendations of the Bennett committee on training detectives in interrogation techniques were adopted in a training programme introduced in April 1980. This programme, which aims to improve interviewing skills, is included in all courses for junior CID officers. By 31 December 1981, 235 officers had received the training, which will continue until all officers involved in this aspect of CID work have received tuition.

Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) whether there are standing rules for the conduct of interrogation of suspects in Castlereagh and Gough police offices; whether they are identical for both offices; when they were introduced; whether they apply to all Royal Ulster Constabulary stations; and whether their contents are available to the public;

(2) when the code of conduct for Royal Ulster Constabulary interviewing officers recommended by the Bennett committee was introduced; whether it applies uniformly to all Royal Ulster Constabulary stations; what its priorities are; whether it is supplemented by internal circulars from the Chief Constable to Royal Ulster Constabulary officers; and whether the contents of such circulars are available to the public.

Mr. Prior

Revised rules governing the conduct of the interrogation of terrorist suspects and containing a code of conduct as recommended by the Bennett committee were introduced on 23 July 1979. These rules apply throughout the RUC although terrorist suspects may only be interrogated at certain stations, including Gough and Castlereagh, designated as suitable for their custody. The rules form part of the RUC code of general orders which are not available to the public. All RUC rules may from time to time be supplemented or replaced by fresh orders, which are also not made publicly available. But the provisions covering the interrogation of terrorist suspects have not been substantially amended since the revised rules were introduced.

Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures have been taken to implement the Bennett committee's proposals on the supervision of the interrogation of terrorist suspects by the Royal Ulster Constabulary; when they were introduced; and whether they apply uniformly to all police stations in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Prior

All changes to Royal Ulster Constabulary procedures consequent on the Bennett committee's recommendations have now been implemented. The hon. Member's attention is drawn to the paper which was placed in the library on 2 July 1979 and which sets out the action to be taken on the committee's recommendations. Greater supervision by senior CID officers and round the clock supervision by uniform staff was introduced by the Chief Constable on 23 July 1979. Other provisions were introduced as soon as circumstances allowed. The rules governing interrogation apply to all stations but terrorists suspects may only be interrogated at certain designated stations.