§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give an approximate breakdown of the units now serving in Northern Ireland; and whether the SAS will be permitted to operate outside South Armagh.
§ Mr. MasonThere are 13 major units in the infantry rôle, plus a temporary reinforcement of one infantry battalion, currently serving in Northern Ireland together with appropriate support units.
As regards operations by the SAS, I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 12th July.