§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current establishment of his Department's police; how many are currently in post; and if he will provide a breakdown by rank.
§ Mr. LeeThe current figures for the Ministry of Defence police are as follows:
Establishment Strength Chief Constable 1 1 Deputy Chief Constable 1 1 Assistant Chief Constable 5 5 Chief Superintendent 7 7 Superintendent 19 19 Chief Inspector 50 51 Inspector 171 154 Sergeant 655 635 Constable 3,500 3,350 4,409 4,223
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Defence when private security firms were first employed by his Department; in what numbers; and what was the cost involved.
§ Mr. LeePrivate security firms were first employed by the Department in 1978. Contracts for guarding duties are currently in force at some 10 locations. The total value of the contracts involved is approximately £1.1 million.
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many police were recruited by his Department in each of the last two years.
§ Mr. LeeDuring the last two financial years the following officers were recruited to the Ministry of Defence police:
Number 1983–84 334 1984–85 396 Between 1 April and 31 May 1985 a further 116 officers have been recruited.
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current review of the role of his Department's police; when the review will be completed; if he will publish a summary of the results; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. LeeMy right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement announced the current review of the role, composition and size of the Ministry of Defence police on 21 December 1984 at column377.
The review committee uner the chairmanship of Sir Ewen Broadbent has beenmeeting regularly since 4 January 1985 to take evidence from a wide range of interested parties and this process will be completed shortly.
The committee plans to report on its findings in the early autumn and I am sure that my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for defence will consider publication if appropriate.
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Defence why private security firms are being used to guard Eastney barracks in Portsmouth; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeThe use of a commercial guard force at the Royal Marines barracks, Eastney is in line with Government policy to put work to the private sector wherever this can be done without adverse operational of financial consequences. The guard duties are performed in accordance with the appropriate Government guidelines and there is no adverse affect on security.
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the standard of performance of his Department's police in executing their duties.
§ Mr. LeeOver the past three years there have been significant changes in the commitments which the Ministry of Defence police has been required to meet, particularly in the need for increased protection at defence establishments. The force has responded to these changes with patience, tact and good humour and its officers continue to perform their often difficult and onerous duties, frequently away from their home stations, in exemplary fashion and to their usual high standards.