Written question asked by Ben Chapman (Labour) on Thursday, 26 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 May 2001. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 May 2001 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, What further steps he is taking to create a normal security environment in Northern Ireland. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Colman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further steps he is taking to create a normal security environment in Northern Ireland. [159632] Mr. Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further steps he is taking to create a normal security environment in Northern Ireland. [159641] Mr. Ingram: The Chief Constable recently announced a number of further normalisation measures including the demolition of the six Fermanagh patrol bases, the closure and demolition of Long Kesh army base and the closure of Strand Road Holding Centre. In the longer term, the number of army bases will reduce to no more than 20. Currently the police routinely patrol without military assistance in 28 of the 29 District Command Units. However, on a number of occasions military support has been utilised for specific purposes. Further measures will very much depend on the removal of the threat from dissident republicans and continued progress towards a normal civil society.

Secondary information