§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the Ministry of Defence Police Agency is answerable to him. [74310]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe MOD Police is an Agency of the Ministry of Defence and the Secretary of State for Defence has ultimate responsibility for determining the size, policy and resources framework within which the Agency operates, acting through the MOD Police Committee. The Chief Constable has, however, exclusive statutory authority for the professional direction and control of MOD Police officers and the Force is independent from political or Departmental influence in the maintenance and operation of the law.