HC Deb 01 March 1989 vol 148 cc221-2W
Mr. McFall

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Defence Police Federation on the future size of the Ministry of Defence police establishment.

Mr. Sainsbury

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Knowsley, South (Mr. Hughes) on 23 February 1989 at column760.

Mr. McFall

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the Defence Police Federation on the future deployment of Ministry of Defence Police personnel at Ministry of Defence establishments in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sainsbury

The Defence Police Federation is a member of two joint committees which provide it with the opportunity to raise questions on a wide range of issues including complementing.

Mr. McFall

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on the replacement of retiring Ministry of Defence police personnel.

Mr. Sainsbury

Recruitment targets are set to attract the numbers necessary to meet these levels, taking account of natural wastage through retirement and other causes.

Mr. McFall

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present approved establishment for the Ministry of Defence police; how many staff are currently in post; and what is the proposed establishment for each of the next three years.

Mr. Sainsbury

The strength of the MOD police on 1 February 1989 was 4,772 (inclusive of dedicated civilians, and of manpower provided to repayment users). The requirements for MOD police are reviewed regularly in the light of policing and security needs and it is not MOD policy to provide details of future manning levels.