HC Deb 09 February 1989 vol 146 cc790-1W
37. Mr. Cyril D. Townsend

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is taking steps to improve the level of co-operation between police and military in Northern Ireland; and what assessment he has made of whether there are sufficient joint headquarters.

Mr. Tom King

Close co-operation between the police and Army is essential if anti-terrorist operations in Northern Ireland are to be fully effective. This matter is kept under careful review and is regularly discussed at security meetings under my chairmanship. The Chief Constable of the RUC and the General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland have recently established a number of joint operations rooms in order to enhance the present high level of co-operation. Others will be in operation shortly.