§ 8. Mr. Henry Bellingham (North-West Norfolk) (Con)If he will make a statement on the current security situation. [180489]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Ian Pearson)Dissident republicans remain a threat to the peace process, but for the most part their activities have been thwarted, intercepted or nullified by good policing operations. The latest round of internal feuding between loyalist paramilitary groups ended following the murder of Brian Stewart in east Belfast last month.
Let us be clear about this: it is time for republican and loyalist paramilitary groups to make a commitment to ending all forms of violence.
§ Mr. BellinghamAlthough, as the Minister says, the security situation is relatively stable, and as a consequence troop numbers are at their lowest level for a generation, what contingencies does he have for reinforcing troop numbers if that is necessary, especially given the huge overstretch in the armed forces?
§ Mr. PearsonThe hon. Gentleman will be aware of the recent announcement that two rear-based battalions will be taken from the authority of the General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland and transferred to other functions. Those matters are kept under constant review. The situation is such at the moment that the police have the full backing of the Army as and when they require it. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that that will continue to be the case.