§ Mr. StrawTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armouries of service cadet forces are based in(a) maintained and (b) independent schools; and what standing arrangements exist for their security and for the custody of live ammunition.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThere are approximately 265 detachments of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Air Training Corps (ATC) based in maintained schools, and 200 CCF detachments in independent schools. Most of these have armouries, but it would not be possible to give exact figures without disproportionate cost.
Security of cadet force weapons is strictly governed by service regulations. These require arms to be kept securely 34W in appropriate containers or armouries, while ammunition must be stored separately, again under appropriate, secure conditions. It would not be appropriate to give details of these regulations, which, in general, require a higher level of security than the equivalent civil standards for rifle clubs or licenced individual firearms holders. All weapon storage facilities are strictly controlled by the Ministry of Defence and are periodically inspected to ensure that proper standards are being maintained.