Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 16 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 January 2004. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 5 January 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effect on Northern Ireland of the Defence White Paper, Delivering Security in a Changing World; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect on Northern Ireland of the Defence White Paper, "Delivering Security in a Changing World"; and if he will make a statement. [145075] Mr. Hoon: The Defence White Paper sets out our analysis of the future security environment, its implications for defence, and how we intend to adapt our planning and force structures to meet the potential threats. It says: "The Armed Forces will continue to support the Police Service for Northern Ireland's public order and counter-terrorist operations for as long as they are needed. We will reduce the level of forces committed to this task as soon as the improving security situation and the capability and confidence of the PSNI allow. Ultimately, our aim is to achieve a situation where an element of our deployable force structure is permanently based in Northern Ireland, just as throughout the rest of the United Kingdom."

Secondary information