§ David BurnsideTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the minimum garrison strength of the armed forces required to remain in Northern Ireland in the event of a total cessation of terrorism and the threat of terrorism within the United Kingdom from Irish Republican and Loyalist terrorist organisations. [40080]
§ Mr. IngramThe detailed nature of the long-term garrison in Northern Ireland will require careful study taking into account practical factors which apply throughout the United Kingdom, such as training needs, facilities and availability of accommodation. Ultimately we would expect the number of regular service personnel permanently based in Northern Ireland to be about 8,000, a comparable number to those stationed in similar sized areas in Great Britain.