§ 62. Mr. MALLALIEUasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been drawn to the use of troops in the recent disorders in Belfast; will he say who bears the expense of their use in this manner; whether there were any casualties; and under whose control they acted?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Douglas Hacking)Yes, Sir; troops were used upon a requisition being received from the civil authorities. Any expense of using the troops is borne by Army Votes. According to my latest information there have been no casualties among the troops nor have there been any inflicted by them. The troops acted under the control of their own officers.
§ Mr. MALLALIEUWill the right hon. Gentleman make such representations as may be necessary to see that the Conservative party, which rules so dictatorially over Northern Ireland—
§ Mr. BUCHANANMay I ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the difficult times in Northern Ireland, he can make some useful intervention in order to put an end to this terrible business?
§ Commander MARSDENMay I ask whether the use of the troops has not had the effect of restoring order sooner than otherwise would have been the case?