§ Mr. Peter DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on minimum standards of security for part-time MOD ranges. [103050]
§ Dr. MoonieIn general, security at Ministry of Defence (MOD) ranges is provided in accordance with their use and purpose, taking account of the prevailing threat assessment. When ranges are temporarily in use by military personnel, the standards for security of personnel and their equipment, is the same as those which apply at permanent MOD establishments and sites. Some ranges, for example the one at West Freugh, are MOD owned but managed by QinetiQ, a commercial company. Security at these sites is the responsibility of the contractor, and is normally implemented by a civilian guard force, supported by the local constabulary. As a commercial company, QinetiQ complies with Government-wide security regulations issued by the Cabinet Office, rather than with MOD security procedures. MOD reserves the right, however, to take such additional measures as we consider necessary to protect our Service personnel and materiel when making use of these ranges.
I am withholding details of security measures implemented within the MOD, under Exemption 1 of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.