§ 15. Mr. Croninasked the Minister of State for defence if he will make a further statement on the operations of the British Army in Northern Ireland.
§ 26. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about the progress of operations in Northern Ireland.
§ 29. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on the operations of the Army in Northern Ireland.
§ 30. Mr. Goodhartasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a further satement on the operations of the armed forces in Northern Ireland.
§ Lord BalnielThe Army continues to assist the civil authorities to prevent violence and, in particular, to counter144W terrorist attacks and prevent intercommunal clashes.
§ 40. Mr. Johnasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the average length of time which elapses before an Army unit is asked to undertake a second tour of duty in Northern Ireland; and what is the minimum period which has elapsed.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithThe normal emergency tour for Army units in Northern Ireland is four months. The average interval between such tours is now about 10 months. The minimum period which has elapsed is six months.
§ 41. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence what proposals he has for improving security on the Crumlin Road and Oldpark Road areas of Belfast; and how many soldiers are stationed there on a regular basis.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithThe possibility of improving security measures in these and other areas of Northern Ireland is being, and will continue to be, given the closest attention. It is not the practice to reveal the detailed deployment of troops, but the situation in each area is kept under constant review and their deployment is adjusted as necessary.