§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Military Provost Guard Service personnel are planned to be stationed at(a) Chicksands, (b) Chilwell-Chetwynd barracks, (c) BOD Donnington and (d) Land Command Wilton from 1 April 1997. [11289]
§ Mr. Soames[holding answer 20 January 1997]: The Military Provost Guard Service pilot scheme will involve a total of 118 Military Provost Guard Service soldiers stationed at Chicksands, Chilwell-Chetwynd Barracks, BOD Donnington and Wilton. Given the potential implications for the security of military establishments, I have decided to withhold the details of the specific number of security personnel deployed at specific sites 555W under exemption 1 of the code of practice on access to Government information relating to defence, security and international relations.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has commenced recruitment for the Military Provost Guard Service. [11287]
§ Mr. Soames[holding answer 20 January 1997]: Recruitment to the Military Provost Guard Service has commenced, but no soldiers will be enlisted until parliamentary procedures are completed.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to introduce Military Provost Guard Service at(a) Woolwich garrison, (b) Catterick garrison, (c) Dishforth, (d) Arborfield, (e) Grantham and (f) Weeton barracks. [11288]
§ Mr. Soames[holding answer 20 January 1997]: Should the trial prove successful at pilot sites, it would be the intention to replace Ministry of Defence police officers with Military Provost Guard Service soldiers at other military locations where Ministry of Defence police officers are complemented for armed guarding rather than constabulary duties. The locations will be the subject of consultation with the Defence Police Federation and the trade unions concerned nearer the time.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Military Provost Guard Service personnel are to be issued with SA80 assault rifles. [11290]
§ Mr. Soames[holding answer 20 January]: The SA80 5.56mm service rifle is the standard issue rifle for the British Army. As such, it will be the primary weapon used by Military Provost Guard Service soldiers whilst carrying out armed guarding duties, as it currently is for Ministry of Defence police officers and full engagement soldiers. In appropriate cases, the 9mm Browning pistol may be issued.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the rules of engagement to be employed by the Military Provost Guard Service personnel. [11291]
§ Mr. Soames[holding answer 20 January 1997]: I have decided to withhold the information requested under exemption 1 of the code of practice on access to Government information relating to defence, security and international relations."