HC Deb 12 June 1989 vol 154 cc275-6W
62. Mr. Mallon

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what firearms and explosives were recovered at the home of a member of the Territorial Army in a search operation in the Ards peninsula, Co. Down, in February; what action has been taken against the person and any associates who are members of the Territoral Army; and whether effective security measures are now in place to guard against the activities of Loyalist paramilitary groups or their sympathisers in the Territorial Army.

Mr. Ian Stewart

On 24 February, six hand grenades, three handguns and a quantity of ammunition were recovered at the home of a member of the Territorial Army, following an RUC search operation in the Ards peninsula. The individual concerned has been charged with firearms and explosives offences and is now in custody. He has been discharged from the Territorial Army.

No other present of former member of the Territorial Army has been charged by the police following his arrest. Questions about the Territorial Army in Northern Ireland (which has no security role in the Province) are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

Forward to