§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reduce British forces in(a) Germany and (b) Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [25038]
§ Mr. IngramThe Strategic Defence Review made it clear that the forward basing of ground forces in Germany would remain a key aspect of British defence policy. In order to create a better balance between 1 (UK) Armoured Division stationed in Germany and 3 (UK) Division based in the United Kingdom we decided to withdraw around 2,500 troops from Germany. Phase one of the withdrawal was completed at the end of 1999. The remaining elements will take some years to complete.
568WThere are no immediate plans for troop reductions in Northern Ireland. The force levels within Northern Ireland are kept under constant review and are dependent on the Police Service of Northern Ireland's threat assessment and used for support. The Army's counter-terrorist and public order role in the Province will remain for as long as the police require military support to maintain law and order.