§ 25. Mr. Jesselasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Army personnel are currently serving in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownApproximately 14,500 Regular Army personnel are currently serving in Northern Ireland.
§ 42. Mr. Flanneryasked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost to the British Government of the emergency in Northern Ireland for the Armed Forces for each separate year since the emergency began.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe estimated extra costs of military operations in Northern Ireland for the years in question are as follows:
£ million 1969–70 … … … 1½ 1970–71 … … … 6½ 1971–72 … … … 14 1972–73 … … … 29 1973–74 … … … 33 1974–75 … … … 45 1975–76 … … … 60
§ 49. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about current operations in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownArmy operations continue throughout the Province assisting the police in the task of combating violence and terrorism. So far this year some 600 persons have been arrested and charged with terrorist offences and there have been a number of good finds of terrorists' arms, ammunition and explosives material. I very much regret that, since my reply to the hon. Member on 15th June, two young soldiers have lost their lives as a result of terrorists' actions: one on 28th June due to injuries sustained when a bomb exploded near Crossmaglen on 22nd June; and the other on 3rd July when he was shot while on sentry duty in Londonderry. I know the House will join me in expressing sympathy for the relatives and friends of these brave soldiers.