§ 38. Mr. RiddickTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has any plans to alter the role of the Ulster Defence Regiment in relation to the Royal Ulster Constabulary; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CopeNo.
The Royal Ulster Constabulary has primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order in Northern Ireland; the Armed Forces, including the Regular Army and Ulster Defence Regiment, will continue to operate in support of the police but only for so long as the threat from terrorism makes that support necessary.