asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any progress has been made in persuading the United States Government to allow the supply of small arms from the United States of America for use by the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated on 7 April in her reply to the hon. Member for Londonderry (Mr. Ross), the Government have left the United States Administration in no doubt of their views on this matter. However, I understand that the Royal Ulster Constabulary has adequate weapons to carry out its present duties and that its needs are kept under constant review.