§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the areas in Northern Ireland where the Ulster Defence Regiment is not permitted to operate.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland decides how best to deploy his troops to maximum effect in support of the RUC in countering the terrorist threat; and troops of the UDR, like those of other regiments under his command, operate as may be required by the security situation in any area of the Province. It is not the practice, however, to employ the UDR in circumstances likely to involve it in riot control duties.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence, in view of the fact that the Ulster Defence Regiment is now the back-up force for the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 11 police divisions, in which divisions it is not the back-up force.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownIt is not our practice to discuss the details of operational deployments.