§ 25. Mr. John Pageasked the Minister of State for Defence what have been the casualties, by degree of seriousness, to British forces engaged in their peacekeeping rôle in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourNo member of the Armed Forces has been killed while directly engaged in peacekeeping operations in Northern Ireland. Five hundred and eighty military casualties arising from peacekeeping action have been recorded, of which 106 required admission to hospital. More detailed information on the nature of the injuries is not readily available.
§ Mr. PageIs my hon. Friend aware of the admiration of the British people for the manner in which members of the Armed Forces are carrying out their difficult job in Northern Ireland? In view of the high level of casualties about which my hon. Friend has told us today, can be suggest any way of reducing the numbers?
§ Mr. GilmourI am grateful to my hon. Friend for what he said to begin with. I am sure that his feeling about reducing the number of casualties is widely shared. A great deal has been done already. A range of protective devices has been introduced which includes protective jackets, plastic shields and helmet visors. These have helped to save lives and reduce casualties, but we are continually looking at further ways to improve the position.