§ 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.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourSince my statement on 25th January there have been a number of violent incidents. The Army continues to take all practicable steps to help the civil authorities in keeping the peace.—[Vol. 849, c. 619–22.]
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-Gilesasked the Minister of State for Defence what further consideration he has given towards improving living conditions for troops serving in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. BlakerThe living conditions of troops in Northern Ireland are under constant consideration, and considerable progress has been made in this field. Since my predecessor informed the House of the position on 18th May 1972, we have completed a barracks in modern construction for 700 men at Aldergrove and have built seven camps in modern temporary construction for about 1,700 men. A further five temporary camps for 1,250 men are now nearing completion primarily to house troops redeployed after182W Operation Motorman. A third ship has been provided by the Royal Navy to accommodate about 500 men at Londonderry. Meanwhile general improvements in troops' living conditions have been brought about as a result of the special allocation of funds announced by my right hon. and noble Friend in November 1971.—[Vol. 837, c. 152–3.]