HC Deb 18 April 2000 vol 348 cc429-30W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Royal Ordnance sites from which Ministry of Defence Police cover will be withdrawn; on what date this will take effect; and if he will make a statement. [117665]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 5 April 2000]: Ministry of Defence Police are currently deployed at the Royal Ordnance sites in Bridgwater, Chorley, Glascoed, Nottingham and Radway Green. Royal Ordnance has requested that they be withdrawn as a cost saving measure and replaced by alternative arrangements. We have concluded that there is not sufficient reason to insist on their retention and are commencing consultation on the withdrawal of MDP from the sites in question subject to certain physical security enhancements required by the licensing authorities.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Ministry of Defence Police will be deployed to Kosovo in support of the UN International Police Force; what will be the length of their tour; what training they will receive; and if he will make a statement. [117667]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 5 April 2000]: Up to 60 Ministry of Defence Police officers are to be deployed to Kosovo in support of the UN International Police for a 12-month tour of duty. All officers are currently undergoing a four-week training course including advanced firearms tactics, explosives and weapon searches, conflict resolution, personal safety and conditions in Kosovo.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will bring forward legislation to extend the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence Police to give them the same constabulary powers as Home Office police; and if he will make a statement. [117669]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 5 April 2000]: The Ministry of Defence Police already have constabulary powers in the places defined in Section 2 of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987. The adequacy of these powers is currently being reviewed.