§ 38. Mr. Tierneyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals there are to improve or rebuild accommodation for troops on emergency tours in Northern Ireland; and what steps have so far been taken to improve the standard of accommodation there.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownMuch has been achieved over the last four years in providing and improving accommodation for troops on four-month unaccompanied tours of duty in Northern Ireland. For example, new camps have been completed at seven sites, while building currently in hand in Belfast and Londonderry will mean that the ships "Maidstone" and "Ramehead" will no longer have to be used for emergency accommodation after the end of this year. Substantial sums have also been spent on improvements to emergency accommodation and on general improvements to the amenities, such as the provision of recreational facilities, and improvements to canteens and living accommodation. Currently there are no plans for further programmes of major expenditure in this regard, but day-to-day improvements in living conditions will continue to be made as and when required.