HC Deb 13 May 1980 vol 984 cc1027-8
4. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about Her Majesty's forces in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Hayhoe

There are currently 12 major units of the regular Army in Northern Ireland, together with a variety of supporting elements and members of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. There are also 11 battalions of the Ulster Defence Regiment. The role of the Armed Forces is to support the Royal Ulster Constabulary in the fight against terrorism.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Will my hon. Friend tell the House more about the local reorganisation of the Ulster Defence Regiment? Since its value lies primarily in its local roots, why for example, close the UDR camp at Loughgall in such a dangerous area?

Mr. Hayhoe

Some closures have been decided by the local commanders in order to improve efficiency. Representations are being made about the proposals, and of course they will be considered.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

If the Government's intention is to defeat terrorism, will my hon. Friend tell the House why we do not take more positive action in Ulster, through specialist forces, along the lines of the action that we took at Princes Gate to defeat terrorism?

Mr. Hayhoe

I am surprised that my hon. Friend should cast even a scintilla of doubt upon the Government's determination to fight terrorism. At a time when so much publicity has been given to the SAS in this country and to the monitoring force in Rhodesia, I reiterate my unbounded admiration for all those serving in Northern Ireland and for the contribution that they make.

Mr. Stanbrook

Would it be possible so to increase the size of the UDR in Northern Ireland as to take over a greater proportion and share of our military needs there?

Mr. Hayhoe

A small increase in the permanent cadre of the Ulster Defence Regiment has been agreed recently, and it is increasing its contribution in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Mr. Concannon

I admit that the primary reason for setting up the UDR was to obtain local knowledge in the local areas, and I accept that there might be a case for rationalisation. However, can the Minister say something more about the position of the regular battalions? Have they had the desired effect on the roulement of troops from Germany? Has he slackened that apace?

Mr. Hayhoe

The redeployments that have been made and the reduction in the size of our forces in Northern Ireland have reduced the amount of overstretch. Overall, it has been a beneficial move.