HL Deb 10 February 1987 vol 484 cc510-1

2.40 p.m.

The Marquess of Salisbury

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government why the tour of duty of resident battalions in Northern Ireland has been extended and whether it is intended to extend it further.

The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Lord Trefgarne)

My Lords, the tour of duty for resident battalions in Northern Ireland has remained at about two years since 1981. There are no plans at present to increase the length of the tour.

The Marquess of Salisbury

My Lords, in view of the terms of service in Northern Ireland, would it not be desirable for the period of service to be reduced to what it was before 1981?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I am not necessarily convinced that that would be a good idea. It is sometimes better for battalions to have a set period in the Province, or in any other theatre for that matter, and two years fits in well with the other duties which they have to perform.

Lord Irving of Dartford

My Lords, last year two additional battalions were sent to Northern Ireland. It is proposed in March of this year to withdraw one. Although the organisation and deployment of forces in Northern Ireland in the past has deserved the highest praise for efficiency and effectiveness, is the noble Lord aware that many commanders, both in the RUC and in the Army, think that a withdrawal at this time may be either unwise or perhaps even foolhardy?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, we naturally keep the level of forces available in Northern Ireland under very careful and continuous review. As the noble Lord will be aware, their role is to support the RUC and their strength is calculated for that purpose.

The Duke of Norfolk

My Lords, are the other arms of the services doing their share in Northern Ireland? I refer to the Royal Armoured Corps, the Gunners, the Royal Corps of Transport; and why not the RAF Regiment? Are they all doing the onerous duties that fall on the British infantry? I should like to think that the position could be improved in that way.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, appropriate units take their turn to serve in Northern Ireland, including the Royal Air Force Regiment and, indeed, the Royal Marines.

The Earl of Kimberley

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that on the occasions that I have had the luck to go to Northern Ireland and speak to the soldiers stationed there or to speak to those about to go there, they all seemed very keen on the posting?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I am bound to agree with my noble friend. I have never ceased to be amazed at the dedication and enthusiasm of our forces in Northern Ireland in very difficult circumstances.

Lord Irving of Dartford

My Lords, the Minister said that the figures are kept under continuous review. In view of the fact that a battalion is to be withdrawn, what factor has made that possible?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I am not sure that the noble Lord is right in what he said. We have not announced a specific date for the withdrawal of forces from Northern Ireland, but we are hoping to look again at the level later this year.