HC Deb 12 March 1970 vol 797 cc371-2W
Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to prevent unauthorised vigilante patrols from operating under the control of the Falls Citizens Defence Committee in the Falls Road area of Belfast; and when this area will be covered by joint military and Royal Ulster Constabulary patrols.

Mr. Hattersley

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army is writing to the hon. Member on the first part of this Question. The Falls Road area of Belfast has for some months been covered by joint military and Royal Ulster Constabulary patrols; and I understand, though this is a matter for the Government of Northern Ireland, that for almost two months the daytime patrolling task has been shared with unaccompanied Royal Ulster Constabulary patrols.