§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the Army and the UDR were involved in the security operation along the border with the Irish Republic during the seven-day period commencing on 8th October; how many persons were apprehended; and how many have been handed over to the civil authorities.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownOver the weekend of 11th–12th October there was a significant increase in the level of security force operations in the South Armagh area. This was in response to the recent increase in violence in the area including two incidents, on 9th and 10th October respectively, when terrorist devices exploded near Army vehicles killing one soldier and injuring five other soldiers and an RUC constable. The operations were carried out by the RUC and by the Regular and UDR units in that area reinforced by units from elsewhere in the Province. It is not, however, our practice to reveal details of the number of troops which are engaged in particular security operations. During the course of the operations nine people were handed over to the police.