§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many soldiers were on guard duty when the Coleraine Ulster Defence Regiment base was raided during the weekend of 21 to 23 February;
(2) whether guard dogs patrol the Ulster Defence Regiment barracks at Coleraine;
(3) whether closed circuit television is used on the perimeter fence of the Ulster Defence Regiment base at Coleraine;
(4) whether any regular soldiers supervise or are employed in guarding the Ulster Defence Regiment base at Coleraine;
(5) whether alarm systems are used at Coleraine barracks to prevent unauthorised opening of the armoury;
(6) whether closed circuit television is used to observe the armoury at Coleraine Ulster Defence Regiment base.
§ Mr. StanleyIt is not our practice to disclose details of security arrangements at particular military establishments.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he intends to take to improve security at Ulster Defence Regiment establishments.
§ Mr. StanleySecurity procedures at military establishments in the Province are regularly assessed. A review of security measures at all UDR bases is now taking place and appropriate action is being, and will be, taken as necessary.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning the theft of arms and ammunition from the Ulster Defence Regiment base at Coleraine.
§ Mr. StanleyDuring the early hours of 22 February a number of armed and masked men gained access to the 5358W UDR base at Coleraine. They overpowered the guards and stole a large quantity of arms and ammunition from the armoury. Shortly after they made their escape in a military Transit van. The alarm was raised and the vehicle was later stopped by a police patrol on the M2 motorway near Templepatrick. The RUC arrested the driver and recovered all the stolen weapons and ammunition. Seven other men were also later arrested by the RUC. One was subsequently released. Further police investigations are in hand. A military board of inquiry has been established.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers were at Coleraine Ulster Defence Regiment barracks at the time it was raided during the weekend of 21 to 23 February.
§ Mr. StanleyFor security reasons I cannot disclose numbers of the security forces personnel at given locations.