§ Mr. Jim Lesterasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will re-examine the instructions given to troops with 145W regard to countering hostile acts in Northern Ireland, and particularly the responsibility thrown on young soldiers of determining when to open fire.
§ Mr. William RodgersWe all greatly regret that in the difficult conditions prevailing in Northern Ireland the decision when to open fire has in many cases to be taken by the individual soldier. But I think that the present instructions and guidance to troops are as satisfactory as can be devised, having regard both to the conditions in which the troops are operating and to the need to act at all times within the law.