HC Deb 09 March 1978 vol 945 cc1589-90
6. Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many armed men are currently deployed by her Majesty's Government in Northern Ireland, inclusive or armed auxiliary elements; and what were the numbers at the same time in each of the last eight years.

Mr. Concannon

At 1st March, 13 major units of the combat arms were deployed in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in. Northern Ireland, together with 11 battalions of the Ulster Defence Regiment.

I will, with permission, publish figures for the previous eight years in the Official Report.

Mr. Litterick

I am grateful for that somewhat sketchy answer, but is the Minister aware that the present war in Northern Ireland is the longest war in which British armed forces have been engaged for 162 years? Is he aware that the length of that war and the number of armed men so deployed after such a long time is a true indication of the failure of all the political initiatives so far tried? Therefore, will the Minister give some undertaking that his Department is at least prepared to consider alternative untried political options?

Mr. Concannon

If my hon. Friend could sketch these in a bit more I would appreciate it. The Government's long-term security strategy is based on developing the strength and capability of the police to the point at which they can discharge their duties without military assistance. While terrorism continues to pose a threat, and for as long as the overall situation demands it, there will be an Army presence at an appropriate level.

Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

Does the Minister agree that the wording of the Question is insulting to the memory of hundreds of soldiers and policemen who have given their lives so that the community in Northern Ireland shall live at peace in law and order?

Mr. Concannon

I should have thought that the Question was a straight one, although a bit sketchily put together.

Mr. Litterick

A bit sketchily answered.

Mr. Concannon

A sketchy Answer to a sketchy question. I would have thought that it was the supplementary questions that mattered.

Following is the information:

Figures for previous eight years referred to in answer

POSITION AT 1ST MARCH EACH YEAR
Regular Army (Major units of the combat arms)
1970 … … 7
1971 … … 9
1972 … … 19
1973 … … 19
1974 … … 17
1975 … … 15
1976 … … 16
1977 … … 14