§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated total cost to the Exchequer of the military and other emergency operations since the start of the present troubles in 1969.
§ Mr. David HowellThe cost of military operations falls on the Exchequer; the estimated extra cost of these in Northern Ireland from August 1969 to the end of March 1973 is £51 million. The Government announced in August 1971 that it would contribute up to £400,000 to an emergency relief fund; it is estimated that about £285,000 will have been paid by March 1973. Domestic expenditure in Northern Ireland, including increases arising from the troubles, is met by the Northern Ireland Exchequer.