HC Deb 15 June 1976 vol 913 cc286-8
5. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about the operations and rôle of the Armed Forces of the Crown in Northern Ireland.

18. Mr. Cronin

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the operations of the Army in Northern Ireland.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. Robert C. Brown)

The Army continues to assist the Royal Ulster Constabulary throughout Northern Ireland at levels appropriate to the operational needs in each area. In response to recent upsurges of sectarian violence, particularly in certain areas of Belfast, extra troops were moved in from reserves in the Province. The security forces were therefore able to step up the level of patrolling and checking, and prevent a worsening of the situation. We intend to maintain the ability to respond flexibly in this way to meet the changing demands of the situation.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we appreciated his presence during yesterday's debate on Northern Ireland security? Having heard it, does he not think that when the Opposition make constructive suggestions for closer co-ordination between the Army and other security forces and for closer border co-operation those suggestions should be carefully considered, instead of being turned down out of hand? Will he do just that, in the interests of the Armed Forces and bringing to an end the troubles in Northern Ireland?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Gentleman does my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland less than credit in saying that he brusquely rejected the Opposition's suggestions. He gave careful consideration to all that the Opposition said. I reiterate that we now have on the border a high level of co-operation with the Irish authorities.

Mr. Tinn

Is my hon. Friend aware that during a recent visit to study the work of the security forces in Northern Ireland my colleagues and I were impressed by the work done by the security forces in such difficult conditions, and by the degree of support that we found for the policy of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, following the abandonment of detention and the restoration of the courts and the normal rule of law and order? We found support both for the Army and for the present degree of co-operation with the authorities across the border.

Mr. Brown

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his comments. The forces in Northern Ireland are always pleased to welcome hon. Members, and were delighted by the visit of the Parliamentary Labour Party Defence Group.

Mr. Goodhart

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there have been almost exactly 5,000 bomb explosions in Northern Ireland since the emergency began? Will the Minister give special recognition to the members of the Bomb Squad—who have borne the brunt of this campaign—for their skill and courage? If a special allowance is not thought appropriate, will the Minister consider the award of a special clasp to the Northern Ireland Medal?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Gentleman will not expect an answer directly to that supplementary question, but I shall certainly consider what he said.

Mr. Watkinson

Is my hon. Friend aware that there have been reports that the power and range of weaponry available to our troops in Northern Ireland have not been comparable with the power and range of weaponry available to the IRA? Will he take steps to ensure that there is comparability of weapons?

Mr. Brown

I reiterate what I said in the Army debate on 6th May. The General Officer Commanding, Northern Ireland, is satisfied with the weapons he has. The Army in Northern Ireland has a wide range of weapons, which can easily match the range of any weapon that a terrorist possesses. Every effort will be made to continue to improve the weapons available.