§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the intended strategic purpose of the surveillance towers on hilltop sites in the South Armagh area; and what factors would be taken into account in a review of these towers. [65998]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThe primary function of the towers on hilltop sites is to protect Security Force bases in the South Armagh area and patrols conducted from them. As with all military establishments in Northern Ireland, the requirement for the towers is kept under continuous review to ensure the level of support provided to the RUC is consistent with the prevailing security situation and the assessment of the threat posed by terrorist organisations.