§ Mr. BrowneTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made towards the normalisation of security arrangements in Northern Ireland. [87730]
§ Mr. IngramSince the Good Friday Agreement, routine military patrolling has been reduced by almost two thirds. Since the start of the year, there have been under 15,000 service personnel on operational duties in Northern Ireland, fewer than at any time since 1970, although there may be some short term increases over the summer period. Military installations have been closed and some demolished.
We are committed to as early a return as possible to normal security arrangements, consistent with the level of threat.