§ Mr. Fittasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the total number of 301W deaths caused by British Army vehicles in Northern Ireland during the periods August 1969 to the nearest convenient date.
§ Mr. BlakerThe total number of deaths resulting from incidents in which British Army vehicles were involved in Northern Ireland during this period was 55. It is not possible to say in how many of these cases the death was caused by the British Army vehicles as opposed to any other vehicle involved. For purposes of comparison the number of deaths caused by incidents involving vehicles other than Army vehicles in the same period was 1,034.
§ Mr. Fittasked the Minister of State for Defence if, in view of the increasing number of fatalities, he is satisfied with the standard of driving of British military vehicles in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. BlakerArmy drivers are subject to the same legal requirements as other drivers in Northern Ireland and I am satisfied that, in the circumstances they face, they drive with due standards of care.
Army vehicles are subjected to surprise attacks and have to speed to the scenes of terrorist outrages. We attach importance to ensuring that drivers are particularly well trained in the techniques of safe driving in urban areas.