§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence what steps he proposes to take to improve the accommodation, working conditions and recreational facilities of the troops now occupied in peacekeeping in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. LambtonIn addition to providing new accommodation, we have introduced such improvements as weatherproofing, the provision of heating, washing and showering facilities, kitchen and dining accommodation and such comforts as are feasible and appropriate within the constraints imposed by a constantly changing operational situation. This applies to both living and working conditions. I would also draw the hon. Members' attention to the specific measures mentioned by my noble Friend the Minister of State for Defence during the Armed Forces debate on 8th June last. We shall continue to do all we can to improve the conditions of the troops serving in Northern Ireland.—[Vol. 818, c. 894–895.]
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will now permit the use of the Ulster Defence Regiment to protect all police stations in the Belfast area.
§ Mr. LambtonThe protection of police Stations, including those in the Belfast area, is agreed on a local basis in the light of the situation at each particular station. Where guards and patrols are provided, they may come from either the Regular Army or the Ulster Defence Regiment, depending on the location and the manpower available.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence how many acid bombs were hurled at troops in Londonderry's Bogside area on the night of 20th 264W October; and what arrests were made by the troops.
§ Mr. LambtonTwo acid bombs were thrown at soldiers in Williams Street, Londonderry. No arrests were made by the Army at that time.
§ Reverend Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances Army explosive experts were called to the Europa Hotel, Belfast, on the night of 20th October; what type of bomb they discovered; how many hours it took to render it harmless; whether this is the first time this type of bomb has been used by the Irish Republican Army terrorists in Northern Ireland; what further action the troops took besides rendering the bomb harmless; and how many arrests have now been made as a result of this bomb planting.
§ Mr. LambtonArmy ammunition technical officers were summoned after an anonymous telephone call to the hotel. The hotel was evacuated, and people kept at a safe distance. A bomb containing about 12 lbs. of explosive, encased in wood and fitted with an anti-handling device, was removed from the hotel and rendered safe. The operation took seven hours. Army ammunition technical officers had not previously met a bomb of this particular type in Northern Ireland; there was no way of identifying its source. I understand that no arrests have so far been made in connection with this incident.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence what plans he has for making flak jackets available to men serving in the Ulster Defence Regiment.
§ Mr. LambtonFlak jackets are already on loan to the Ulster Defence Regiment from Regular Army stocks; more are being procured urgently and will be issued as they become available.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will arrange for men serving in the Ulster Defence Regiment who are doing a minimum number of nights' service in the month to have a second uniform made available.
§ Mr. LambtonMembers of the Ulster Defence Regiment are issued with a suit of combat dress, a suit of No. 2 dress, a pair of green overalls, a jersey pullover, 265W a greatcoat and a ground-sheet. Proposals for further supplementing this issue are under consideration.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence what proposals he has to develop the local platoons in country areas to make the force more flexible.
§ Lord BalnielI assume that the Question relates to the Ulster Defence Regiment. With the formation of two new battalions outside Belfast the U.D.R. is planning to raise four new companies. Each of these companies will have five platoons at different centres in country areas. Twenty-eight extra platoons are also being recruited outside Belfast to bring all existing companies up to five-platoon strength. The regiment is already very flexible and able to operate in vehicles or on foot. Operational patrols and guards are organised so that they operate near their own company locality. As more men join the regiment the opportunity to serve locally will be greater than hitherto. Battalions mainly work within their county boundaries, but if the need arises companies can be moved rapidly from one area to another.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will arrange a scheme whereby men serving in the Ulster Defence Regiment who in their normal work are classified as self employed, can have an estimated sum held back from their earnings to set off against tax due at the end of the financial year.
§ Mr. LambtonWe are looking into the whole question of the method of payment of income tax on the pay of part-time members of the Ulster Defence Regiment in consultation with my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army will write to the hon. Member when this review is complete.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will arrange a scheme whereby Servicemen serving in Northern Ireland as well as obtaining a concessionary fare from Belfast to London, can obtain a concessionary fare from London to their home in other parts of Great Britain or in Germany.
§ Mr. LambtonThe recently introduced scheme for concessional air travel for Servicemen on emergency tours in266W Northern Ireland is conditional on their finding their own way home from the airport, but as they have a choice of 16 airports in Great Britain, the journey at private expense is kept to a minimum. Those who are eligible to go to Germany may travel by normal air trooping without cost from and to London.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will arrange a scheme whereby Servicemen serving in Northern Ireland can take advantage of a seat on any available transport command flight; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LambtonArrangements already exist which allow Servicemen serving in Northern Ireland and elsewhere to occupy spare seats in Royal Air Force transport aircraft when going on leave. Since the availability of spare seats cannot, however, be guaranteed and often occurs at short notice the concessionary fare scheme for flights by civil aircraft mentioned in the hon. Member's previous Question has been specially introduced for Servicemen serving in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will arrange for an Army guard to be available at customs posts in border area of Northern Ireland to help customs officers searching cars.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithThis matter is kept under continuing review with the Northern Ireland Customs and Excise authorities. Army guards will be provided if their assistance becomes necessary.