§ Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now take action to ensure that the families of all Service men killed in Northern Ireland as a result of terrorist activity receive a payment of at least £16,575.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownNo. The present range of pensions and other benefits administered by the Ministry of Defence and by the Department of Health and Social Security make long-term provision20W for the families of Service men killed as a result of terrorist activity in Northern Ireland. Depending on individual circumstances dependants may also receive awards under the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968.
§ Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the arrangements for the use of the British Army in Northern Ireland in view of the number of tours of duty British soldiers are required to perform.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownYes. The peace-keeping duties in Northern Ireland must and can be met. These duties are shared as fairly as possible among all available units, and the reductions in the force level which were possible during 1974 will substantially increase the interval between tours.