HC Deb 17 March 1981 vol 1 cc189-90
8. Mr. Ron Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current total strength of British Armed Forces in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Goodhart

In Northern Ireland, there are currently 10 major units of the Regular Army deployed in the infantry role, together with supporting arms and services, 11 battalions of the Ulster Defence Regiment, and small Royal Navy and Royal Air Force elements.

Mr. Brown

I thank the Minister for his reply. Does he agree that Ireland's problems are mainly political and not religious? Does he accept that Irish Protestants and Catholics can be united, as Larkin and Connolly clearly proved? Does he accept that one of the first steps towards a political solution is to withdraw British troops? Is it not important to consider that as it is most urgent to achieve some solution in that troubled island?

Mr. Goodhart

The Opposition's principal spokesman on defence, the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Mr. John), knows Northern Ireland and the role of the Army there very well. I am sure that he can give the hon. Gentleman a lesson on both subjects.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is not one right hon. Gentleman who does not understand the role of the Army in Northern Ireland the right hon. Member for Bristol, South-East (Mr. Benn)? In an attempt to remove the right hon. Gentleman's paranoia, will my hon. Friend consider taking him by the hand, and showing him what our soldiers are doing to defend human life in the United Kingdom?

Mr. Goodhart

I think that it is generally agreed that the right hon. Gentleman's speech at the weekend was most unfortunate.

Mr. Molyneaux

Is the Minister aware that there is a general support throughout the community for the policy that is resulting in the Royal Ulster Constabulary assuming responsibility for law enforcement throughout the Province, with the Army fulfilling its rightful role in defending the frontier of the United Kingdom?

Mr. Goodhart

As a Minister in Northern Ireland for 20 months, I know personally that that is true.

Mr. Arthur Davidson

Will the Minister confirm that his long-term policy is for policing eventually to revert to the police, together with the maintenance of law and order? Meanwhile, does he agree that the unilateral withdrawal of British troops would serve no purpose whatever and is not the policy of the Labour Party?

Mr. Goodhart

I absolutely and completely agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman.