Military Provost Guard (Hansard, 23 June 1999)

§ Mr. Doug Henderson

Following a two year pilot scheme of the use of the Military Provost Guard Service to carry out armed guarding duties at a number of Army establishments, I have decided, subject to consultation, to extend the scheme. Over five years, the Military Provost Guard Service will initially expand from its existing strength of 118 local engagement regulars to a strength of over 600, providing armed guarding services to a total of 27 Army establishments nation-wide. They will in most cases replace Ministry of Defence Police who currently carry out armed guarding duties but who will in future concentrate on their primary role of carrying out constabulary duties. Where the MPGS replace MDP they will provide a cost-effective method of guarding, achieving savings rising to over £7 million per annum by comparison with existing arrangements once the scheme is fully up and running. This will be done without any changes to security standards. There will be consultation with the Defence Police Federation on these proposals which will involve a reduction in the overall numbers of MOD Police.

I am writing to hon. Members whose constituencies are to be affected by these changes, and a report by the Commander in Chief Land Command on the pilot scheme will be placed in the Library.