§ 4. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes are proposed in the recruitment, training, equipment and organisation of the Royal Ulster Contabulary and RUC Reserve; to what extent they now operate throughout Northern Ireland; and when it is intended that they should relieve the Army of the police functions it is now performing in aid of the civil power.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe Police Authority and the Chief Constable make appropriate provision for the recruitment, training and equipment of the RUC and RUC Reserve and keep their needs under continuous review. Police functions are undertaken in all parts of Northern Ireland, but assistance from the Army is required in some areas. I am currently considering the whole subject of policing in Northern Ireland and whether any steps can be taken to encourage a greater sense of local involvement in the maintenance of law and order.