§ 7. Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the detection and interception of illegal weapons and explosives by the police and security forces in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. [49024]
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§ Mr. IngramThe detection and interception of illegal weapons and explosives by the security forces are of prime importance in the fight against terrorist and criminal organisations. The RUC, supported by the Army, work tirelessly to recover terrorist weaponry and to avert those in possession of them, evidenced by the number of firearms and explosives finds reported by the Chief Constable in appendix 5 table 3 of his Annual Report, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. In doing so the RUC maintain a close liaison with their counterparts, the Garda Siochana who have an excellent record in combating terrorism; indeed, so far this year they have found in the region of 5,500 lbs of Home Made Explosives. Co-operation between the RUC and the Garda Siochana is excellent.