HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1221-2
3. Sir John Farr

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to improve the living and training conditions of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Mr. Scott

Royal Ulster Constabulary accommodation and training are primarily matters for the Police Authority for Northern Ireland, but I understand that it is planned to spend £46.6 million over the next four years to extend and improve residential and operational accommodation. The Police Authority has recently sought my right hon. Friend's approval for the construction of a new expanded training centre to replace the present limited facilities at Enniskillen. My right hon. Friend and I are currently studying the Police Authority's proposals.

Sir John Farr

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that the RUC does a very tough job? Is he further aware that today's terrorists get the benefit of international training and expertise? Bearing that in mind, will he make sure that the RUC can match the international expertise that terrorists are bringing to Northern Ireland?

Mr. Scott

I share my hon. Friend's respect for the courage and determination of the RUC. The Government are determined to ensure that it has the training and resources to do its job.

Mr. Maginnis

Is the Parliamentary Under-Secretary aware of the disquiet caused to my constituents by persistent rumours that the new training depot will be removed from Fermanagh and South Tyrone? Will he assure them that he will look carefully at possible sites in my constituency for the new training depot and that neither he nor the Police Authority has yet ruled out siting the training depot in my constituency? Will he also assure them that, with the Police Authority, he will have proper consultations with elected representatives in the west of the Province?

Mr. Scott

As I have said, my right hon. Friend and I are studying the proposals. No decisions have yet been taken. We want to consider all the options to make sure that the RUC gets the training that is so necessary in the most cost-effective way possible.

Mr. Soley

I hope that the Parliamentary Under-Secretary's opening remarks do not mean that he does not take a close and detailed interest in the RUC's training programme. Will he confirm that the human awareness and discrimination training is at least up to the standard of that of the Metropolitan police?

Mr. Scott

I am sure that all aspects of the training appropriate to the special task of the RUC in Northern Ireland are covered to the highest possible standard. However, we need improved facilities to conduct that training.