§ Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether any recent steps have been taken to establish the future firearms needs of the Royal Ulster Constabulary or the sources of such firearms; and if any such sources are British.
§ Mr. AlisonI refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Harborough (Mr. Farr) on 11 March 1981. The firearms needs of the Royal Ulster Constabulary are under constant review by the Chief Constable, who is satisfied that the force has sufficient arms to meet its current requirements.—[Vol. 1000, c.341.]
§ Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if, in view of the failure of United States companies to fulfil orders for arms, the Police Authority intends to cancel the remaining part of its United States order.
§ Mr. AlisonAs the issue of export licences is still under review by the United States Government, I 245W understand that the Police Authority for Northern Ireland has not considered cancelling the order which has been placed.