Ulster Defence Regiment

HC Deb 11 May 1976 vol 911 c123W

35. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about the Ulster Defence Regiment.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement on the Ulster Defence Regiment and the major contribution it makes to the security of Northern Ireland which I included in my opening speech for the debate on the Army on 6th May.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the establishment and present strength, respectively, of officers and other ranks, respectively, of each battalion of the Ulster Defence Regiment.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

It would not be in the interests of security to disclose these details.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if it is his policy to use units of the Ulster Defence Regiment everywhere in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

Units of the Ulster Defence Regiment are not employed in areas or circumstances likely to involve them in sectarian conflict, crowd control or riot duties. Subject to these restrictions, units may be employed as and where required by the security situation.