§ 29. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister State for Defence what steps he has taken during the recess to improve security arrangements and to meet the threat from armed terrorists groups operating in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourSpecific measures include an intensification of border surveillance and controls, the introduction of new riot control equipment and a continuing build up of the U.D.R.'s capability. Additionally, experience gained during the summer has been translated into a number of improvements in the conduct of operations.
§ Mr. McMasterIs my hon. Friend aware of the great anxieties felt in Northern Ireland at the slowness of the Army in reacting? For instance, in Newtownards Road for seven hours there was murderous gunfire, with several civilians being shot and many injured, but the Army units which were on the scene did not fire one shot back. At the Customs post were there was an explosion, the Army was slow to appear and seemed to take no effective action. Will my hon. Friend take steps to improve 408 the speed and flexibility with which the Army responds?
§ Mr. GilmourI cannot accept any of the implications in my hon. Friend's supplementary Question. The Army has not been at all slow to react. It adopts the doctrine of minimum force and tries to fire as little as possible.
§ Mr. McMasterOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.