What is the estimated cost of the security forces' deployment at Drumcree in 1998. [54769]

The additional cost of the Royal Ulster Constabulary operations at Drumcree, including the consequential impact elsewhere, during July 1998 amounted to approximately £11 million. Since July, additional costs have continued to be incurred by police at approximately £400,000 per month, due to the continuing protest.

I thank the Minister for that reply. Does he agree that had the Parades Commission taken the right decision and allowed the parade down the Garvaghy road, the expenditure would have been much less. Does he further agree that had the proper decision been taken, the subsequent deaths and injuries might not have occurred? Finally, will he acknowledge that, as a result of the bad decision, community relations are at an all-time low in the Portadown district?

It is worth while reflecting momentarily on the fact that one Royal Ulster Constabulary officer has lost his life as a result, and many others have been driven from their homes because of thuggery and brutal actions against them and their families. I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman did not refer to that.

There can be no question but that there is a need to uphold the rule of law at all times. That is something that this Government and previous Governments have done throughout the long history of Northern Ireland. The cost of that is one that the British taxpayer is prepared to pay because upholding the law is fundamental to all of us. I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman that the decision was wrong. It was a properly arrived at decision. Of course, we are now seeking to move it forward by bringing the two sides of the community together. The Government are very active in achieving some reconciliation within that community with the help of people from that community.