Clause 24
Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill
2:30 pm
Paul Goggins (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Northern Ireland Office; Wythenshawe and Sale East, Labour)
I have said that what we seek to putin place through the clauses that we are debatingthis afternoon has been arrived at after careful consideration of the types of scenario that may pertain and require the police to have certain powers. The clause describes one of the scenarios with which we believe the Army should be empowered to deal. I emphasise, however, that use of the power must be authorised by a commissioned officer. We recognise that it is a serious matter and that a commissioned officer should have to give approval.
My hon. Friend the Member for Foyle is right to say that the police already have sufficient powers under statute and common law to take action to save life and limb. The power in the Bill applies only to the armed forces. For the reasons I mentioned earlier, it is unlikely to be used because it is increasingly unlikely that the Army will be deployed in operational situations in Northern Ireland. However, should the circumstances arise, the Army needs to be able to deal with them. If someone has been kidnapped or imprisoned against their will, it is important that the Army, as well as the police, should be able to deal with it.
In answer to the short speech and question of the hon. Member for Montgomeryshire, we need the powers because if someone has been kidnapped and if the Army are first to come across it, they will need to deal with it urgently. The clause gives them the power to do so.