§ 12. Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will review the method of payment to the Ulster Defence Regiment so that members receive greater recognition for long spells on duty within any 24-hour period.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithNo, Sir. Members of the Ulster Defence Regiment receive a full day's pay at Regular Army rates for any period of duty from eight to 24 hours.
A member of the Regular Army in Northern Ireland receives the same pay irrespective of the nature and duration of the duties he performs within any period of 24 hours. It would be inequitable—and I hope my hon. Friend will agree—to pay more to a member of the Ulster Defence Regiment.