Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 May 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 17 May 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what qualifications armed forces personnel have in prison warder duties; whether the training they receive for such duties leads to a recognised qualification; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what qualifications armed forces personnel have in prison warder duties; whether the training they receive for such duties leads to a recognised qualification; and if he will make a statement. [171586] Mr. Ingram: The Ministry of Defence does not run prisons. However, members of the Adjutant General's Corps Military Provost Staff (AGC(MPS)) receive the relevant training to run the Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC) in Colchester. The MCTC is subject to independent inspection and is a National Vocational Qualifications Award accredited custodial care assessment centre. Individual qualifications are not awarded; however close liaison with Her Majesty's Prison Service is undertaken in order that best practice is maintained. AGC(MPS) also run the Regimental Police course at MCTC. This course prepares soldiers to run the unit guardroom and to provide them with the skills necessary to handle soldiers serving short-term periods of detention in the unit guardroom. The course covers all legal, administrative and welfare aspects of detention and provides a City and guilds Qualification.

Secondary information