§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to transfer Special Branch and associated covert police agencies from anti-terrorism operations to working against the leading importers/suppliers of illegal drugs. [16412]
§ Sir John WheelerThe deployment of Special Branch and associated police covert agencies in anti-terrorist and anti-crime operations is a matter for the Chief Constable. However, as publicly stated recently by the head of the RUC Special Branch, it is currently providing its expertise in combating areas of criminality, including the import and supply of illegal drugs.