Conservative Party Conference

HC Deb 03 November 1988 vol 139 cc734-5W

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for how long HMS Nurton was stationed off Brighton in connection with the 1988 Conservative party conference; and what were her duties.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

HMS Nurton was stationed off Brighton from 1600 hours on 10 October until 1500 hours on 14 October. Her task was to provide a visable offshore presence and to co-ordinate the activities of other maritime forces if required.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Marines were involved in duties in each of the three rigid inflatable boats assisting the police in patrolling inshore waters at Brighton in connection with the 1988 Conservative party conference.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Of the three boats originally provided, two were in fact used and each of these was manned by two Royal Marines. Two Royal Marines were also provided as reliefs.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at which Conservative party conferences since 1980 members of the armed services have been involved in security work.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Members of the armed forces have responded to police requests for assistance with security duties connected with Conservative party conferences in each year since 1980.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if any members of the armed forces were involved in duties associated with the 1988 conferences of any political parties other than the Conservative party.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Yes. Following requests from the Lancashire constabulary, some military personnel assisted the police with security duties in connection with the 1988 Labour party conference.