HC Deb 23 November 1984 vol 68 cc335-6W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many persons have been arrested by the military police at demonstrations outside and inside Longmoor camp and on which days; and how many have been charged;

(2) what has been the daily number of people held in a pit at Longmoor camp, Hampshire, whilst awaiting being charged for taking part in demonstrations outside or near the camp;

(3) what were the circumstances and reasons why persons arrested by troops at Longmoor camp, Hampshire, were herded into a pit 6 ft deep and guarded by armed soldiers whilst awaiting processing.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why soldiers detained Mrs. Tessa Babcock and her 13-year-old daughter Zoe in a muddy pit surrounded by barbed wire for almost two hours at Longmoor camp, Hampshire, on Friday 16 November.

Mr. Stanley

The numbers taken into custody for trespass in a military training area whilst an exercise was in progress were as follows:

15 November 4
16 November 24
17 November 28
18 November 25
19 November 2
20 November 4

They were detained at an inactive rifle range as this was one of the few places in the training area where cover was available until collected by the Hampshire police. Twelve have been reported for summons.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the average length of time, the shortest and longest time a person has spent in a pit at Longmoor camp.

Mr. Stanley

These details are not available.