§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Energy on how many occasions during the last year firearms have been carried by members of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority constabulary; and what procedures govern the issue of firearms within the force.
§ Mr. Giles ShawFor security reasons it is not prudent to give details of either the frequency with which firearms have been issued to AEA constables or of the specific duties undertaken by armed constables. Not all constables are armed. Constables carry firearms only when they are engaged on duties relating to the protection of special nuclear materials in store at or in transit between United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority or BNFL establishments. As indicated during the debates in Parliament in 1976 prior to the passing of the Atomic Energy Authority (Special Constables) Act, armed constables are deployed on the AEA sites at Dounreay, Harwell and Winfrith and the BNFL site at Sellafield.
Weapons are issued only when specific duties require, and their use is controlled under the AEA Constabulary Chief Constable's Standing Orders—Firearms, which have been agreed with the Secretary of State for Energy.