Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 26 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 March 2001. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 March 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many breaches of security were reported at his Department's bases and headquarters in each of the last five years; how many arrests and prosecutions have resulted; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures and fact that central records were not kept prior to 1996-97. Will write and fact that some information not available due to disproportionate cost.

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many breaches of security were reported at his Department's bases and headquarters in each of the last five years; how many arrests and prosecutions have resulted; and if he will make a statement. [151806] Mr. Hoon: Taking breaches of security incursions on to the Ministry of Defence estate, the figures for each of the last four years were: 1996-97: 67; 1997-98: 87; 1998-99: 182; 1999-2000: 239; central records were not kept prior to 1996-97. The figures cover sites in Great Britain (excluding USAF installations) and Germany. The great majority of the incursions related to anti-nuclear demonstrators, whose activities have increased over the last two years. I will write to the right hon. and learned Member with the numbers of arrests and prosecutions recorded by the Ministry of Defence police. Information on incidents dealt with by local constabularies could be provided only at disproportionate costs.

Secondary information