§ Mr. McMasterasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken by the security forces in Northern Ireland to arrest men seen to parade or stand openly in the streets with fire-arms and/or seen to be wearing uniforms associated with either wing of the Irish Republican Army.
§ Mr. David Howell:My hon. Friend is presumably referring to the present situation in the Bogside and Creggan areas of Londonderry. Action is taken where practicable against the persons described but in present circumstances Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to initiate military action which could lead to a large number of civilian casualties.