HC Deb 27 July 2000 vol 354 c744W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the additional Army deployment in Northern Ireland was in July by way of assistance given to the RUC in the Portadown area. [131391]

Mr. Spellar

An additional 1,483 soldiers were deployed in the Portadown area in July to support the RUC.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers were assigned to duties under the control of the RUC in Portadown in July. [131392]

Mr. Spellar

Soldiers assisted the RUC at Portadown in a variety of roles, but they remained under military command.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers were issued RUC riot equipment and uniforms in Portadown in July. [131393]

Mr. Spellar

No soldiers were issued with RUC riot equipment in July. However, six soldiers from the Royal Military Police who were supporting the RUC in evidence gathering teams were issued with police coveralls. The soldiers wore helmets and armbands which clearly indicated that they were military police.