HC Deb 24 May 1973 vol 857 cc134-5W
Mr. Maginnis

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the security arrangements in the Crossmaglen area of County Armagh, in view of recent incidents there.

Mr. Blaker

The high level of terrorist activity in the Crossmaglen area gives cause for concern. I am satisfied, however, that it is being countered as effectively as possible, and I welcome the co-operation of the Gardai which has greatly assisted our efforts to suppress cross-border terrorism.

Mr. Maginnis

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the total strength of the Army in Northern Ireland; and whether it is intended to increase this during the period of local government and Assembly elections.

Mr. Blaker

The current force level in Northern Ireland is about 16,500 Regular troops and 8,200 members of the Ulster Defence Regiment. The Regular force level is kept under constant review and further reinforcements will be provided, if the situation so requires, during the period of the elections or at any other time.

Region 1968–69 1969–70 1970–71 1971–72
Northern … … … … … 2,145 2,708 3,018 3,452
Yorkshire and Humberside … … … 2,597 3,404 4,072 4,846
North-Western … … … … … 3,400 4,477 5,363 6,427
East Midland … … … … … 2,209 2,709 2,883 3,296
West Midland … … … … … 2,395 2,979 3,141 3,642
East Anglia … … … … … 778 1,043 1,187 1,333
South-Eastern … … … … … 6,493 7,687 8,294 9,567
South-Western … … … … … 2,096 2,550 2,941 3,484
Wales … … … … … 1,549 1,761 1,930 2,217
Scotland … … … … … 2,976 3,497 4,857 5,965
Northern Ireland … … … … … 956 1,217 1,099 1,285
United Kingdom Total … … … 27,594 34,032 38,785 45,514

In the time available, it has not been possible to include the figures for 1972–73, nor to break down the figures for the Northern Region by age. This information is being obtained and I shall write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of State for Defence what special recruitment campaigns have been undertaken in the Northern Region in the past three years.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

No special recruiting campaigns have been mounted in the Northern Region in the last three years. Normal recruiting activity within the region by all three Services has, however, as in any other region, included a number of "special events".