§ 45. Mr. FRANK GRAYasked the Prime Minister whether the Government is satisfied that the maintenance of an armed special police force in Northern Ireland by the English taxpayers, as is proposed, and the creation of a new naval force in Northern Ireland, as is also proposed, is not a breach of the terms of the Irish Treaty of the 6th December, 1921?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply. I do not consider that the provision of financial assistance towards the maintenance of a force for duties which otherwise would have to be discharged by troops involves a breach of either the letter or the spirit of the Treaty. I am not aware of any proposal to establish a new naval force in Northern Ireland.