§ 41. Mr. W. COOTEasked what steps the Government propose to take to defend the lives and properties of loyalists in Ulster, in view of the fact that they are constantly closing constabulary barracks in towns and villages and removing the police to other parts of Ireland, while at the same time they refuse to transfer military to the depleted districts?
§ Mr. HENRYMy hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The combined strength of police and military available for the maintenance of order in Ulster has recently been very substantially increased, and the only redistribution of police now taking place is designed to secure greater efficiency.
§ Mr. COOTEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in many parts of Armagh and Tyrone barracks are being closed almost daily, and there is no protection for the people? Are the Government willing to allow the people to protect their districts by bringing in a force of Special Constables, as they are quite able to do, if the Government control and direct that force?