§ 29. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Minister of State for Defence what new orders have been given to the troops in Northern Ireland since 29th March, 1972.
§ Lord BalnielI am sure the House will not expect me to give details of the orders issued to the troops in Northern Ireland. However, orders issued since 29th March take into account, of course, the changed political situation and the Government's desire to achieve a solution by peaceful means to the Northern Ireland problem.
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§ 30. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of State for Defence what are the number of members of the Armed Forces at present stationed in Northern Ireland and the numbers available to be sent there as reinforcements, if required.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithThe total current strength of the regular forces in Northern Ireland amounts to some 14,600. In addition there are about 8,200 members of the Ulster Defence Regiment. Also, there are some 800 Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel engaged in their normal duties.
Substantial reinforcements could be made available if required.
§ Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of State for Defence on how many occasions since 22nd March, 1972, attacks have been made on, or shots fired at, the security forces in Northern Ireland; what injuries or loss of life have been suffered; how many times the fire has been returned; and how many suspected terrorists have been detained, injured or killed in these incidents.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithI regret that it is not possible without disproportionate effort to provide details of attacks other than shooting incidents involving the Army.
Between 22nd March and 18th April, there were 419 incidents of shots being fired at the troops, resulting in four military deaths and 23 injuries.
Troops fired in 196 incidents; three suspected terrorists are known to have been killed and 72 others are believed to have been hit. Four were arrested by the Army at the time of the shooting
§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Minister of State for Defence how many of the soldiers presently stationed in Ulster come from Lancashire and Scotland, respectively.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithThis information is not immediately available. I am writing to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Minister of State for Defence how many British soldiers have been killed Ulster by 127W terrorist activities since the troubles began in 1969; and how many of these came from Lancashire and Scotland, respectively.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithSixty-two member of the Regular Army, of whom three came from Lancashire and nine from Scotland.