HC Deb 15 December 1987 vol 124 c481W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions have taken place with QED Design and Development Ltd. on the supply of British Army-style equipment and clothing to the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Mr. Tom King

[holding answer 8 December 1987]: For some years the Police Authority for Northern Ireland has purchased cold weather items of equipment and clothing for the Royal Ulster Constabulary from a number of civilian firms, including QED Design and Development Ltd. The last such purchase from this company was in 1985. Discussions were confined to the normal supplier; customer relationship.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what procedures exist for the acquisition by the Royal Ulster Constabulary of British military uniforms where such uniforms are to be used in training.

Mr. Tom King

[holding answer 8 December 1987]: The provision of equipment for the Royal Ulster Constabulary is the responsibility of the Police Authority for Northern Ireland, which follows normal Government tendering practice. No military uniforms have been acquired. What was purchased was items of cold weather clothing and equipment most suitable for training and operations outdoor and in bad weather conditions. Many of these are also used by the Army for the same reasons.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what clothing and other equipment similar to that supplied to the British Army is currently in the possession of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Mr. Tom King

[holding answer 8 December 1987]: Some items obtained from a number of commercial organisations are still held in stock. These are for use in training or operations in the field where circumstances or bad weather conditions so require, and include such articles as arctic sleeping bags, parkas, rucksacks and insulated suits.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what contracts Frank Turner and QED Ltd. have had with the Royal Ulster Constabulary since 1981.

Mr. Tom King

[holding answer 8 December 1987]: Three orders were placed with QED Ltd. in 1982; two in 1983; two in 1984 and one in 1985.