§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) on how many occasions anti-terrorist officer teams from the Republic of Ireland have dealt with explosive devices in Northern Ireland in(a) 1985, (b) 1986 and (c) 1987 to date;
(2) on how many occasions anti-terrorist officer teams from the United Kingdom have dealt with explosive devices in the Republic of Ireland in (a) 1985, (b) 1986 and (c) 1987 to date.
§ Mr. Stanley[holding answer 17 December 1987]: Procedures exist whereby in the course of clearing suspected or actual explosive devices on or near the border ammunition technical officers from the British and Irish armies may by invitation cross the border to facilitate their duties. These procedures have been highly useful and have been operated, but it would not be in the interests of security to give further details of incidents.