Written question asked by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Friday, 18 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 February 2005. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 February 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many battalions stationed in Northern Ireland are being asked to provide companies for operations in Iraq.

Answer: Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many battalions stationed in Northern Ireland are being asked to provide companies for operations in Iraq. [217033] Mr. Ingram: From the eight battalions currently under command of the General Officer Commanding (Northern Ireland) (GOC(NI)), it is planned that one company of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (currently based at Palace Barracks, Belfast) will be available to form part of our regular roulement of forces for Operation TELIC deploying to Iraq during April/May 2005. GOC (NI) keeps the security situation under close review and will ensure that sufficient forces are available to provide routine military support to the police and additional troops can be made available to him from Land Command, if required, for example during the marching season.

Secondary information