§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take immediate steps to strengthen security in South Londonderry, by supplying the RUC with the vehicles it requires and with sufficient fire power to deal with IRA active units in that area.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 22nd January 1976; Vol. 903, c. 564], gave the following information:
The assessment of RUC operational needs for vehicles and other equipment is a matter for the Chief Constable and Police Authority. Authority has been given recently for the provision of additional vehicles for the force as a whole; their deployment is also a matter for the Chief Constable. The question of whether more are required is being studied. Appropriate weapons for police use are made available, and the requirement is kept under constant review.