§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence why he declined to meet a delegation from the Northern Ireland Police Federation during his recent visit to Belfast to discuss the withdrawal of Army guards from Royal Ulster Constabulary stations contrary to the committee report.
§ Lord BalnielI assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the visit of my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Defence to Northern Ireland on 30th September and 1st October. The primary purpose of that visit was to discuss the security situation with senior officers and to meet Army units in the province. The opportunity was taken to 109W hold other discussions as time permitted. The question of responsibility for guarding police stations was discussed with the Northern Ireland Police Authority.