Police

HC Deb 13 March 1987 vol 112 cc323-4W

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out his precise responsibilities for the Ministry of Defence police; to what extent he expects to be kept informed about the progress of their inquiries into alleged serious crimes, where such inquiries are initiated by his Department; if he will list the specific matters in relation to the functions and actions of his Department's police upon which he is not prepared to answer parliamentary questions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The Secretary of State's precise responsibilities are set out in the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987. He would expect to be informed at the time of major milestones in an investigation: such as referral to the Law Officers' Department. He would not be given any details of the case or have any comment to make. He would therefore be unable to answer any questions on the nature or intended action by the police.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on what basis allegations of serious crime within defence contractors are dealt with by the MOD police rather than by the chief constable and police force of the area concerned; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The MDP investigates cases of alleged fraud concerning MOD contracts. Dependent on the circumstances, they may be undertaken in consultation with other police forces.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he expects to receive a report from the Ministry of Defence police on the outcome of their current investigations into allegations of serious crime at Marconi in Portsmouth; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

No. The matter would be reported in the first instance to the prosecuting authorities, if appropriate. Ministers would be informed of any subsequent decisions on the case.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many inquiries have been carried out by the Ministry of Defence police into allegations of crime in defence contractors in each of the past five years; whether the results in each case were reported to Ministers; and what action was taken in each case where the inquiry showed that crime had been committed.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I shall answer shortly.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the obligations of the Ministry of Defence police with regard to reporting to him the nature, purpose and results of their inquiries into allegations of serious crime by defence contractors; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The Ministry of Defence police have no obligation to report to Ministers or officials on criminal investigations, but would inform them when major milestones had occurred in investigations, such as referral to prosecuting authorities.