§ 15. Mr. Bradfordasked the Secretary of State for Defence, in view of the fact that Mr. David Burnside was dismissed from the Ulster Defence Regiment for being a member of the Vanguard Unionist Party, whether he will make a statement on whether all members of that party are to be excluded from the Regiment, and as to which other parties are similarly affected.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownMembers of the UDR are treated exactly the same as members of the Regular Army regarding the expression of political views. A member of the UDR may be a member of a political party, including the Vanguard Unionist Party, but he may not take any active part in the affairs of any political organisation or party.
§ Mr. BradfordWill the hon. Gentleman accept that there are other serving members of the UDR who are actively involved in politics? If he wants names and parties, I am quite willing to submit them. If he is aware of this, we are left with no alternative but to believe that Mr. Burnside has been discriminated against. Would he not agree that it is nothing less than deceitful to discharge 232 him for political involvement when the regiment knew at the time of his admission that he was actively involved in politics?
§ Mr. BrownIf the hon. Member has the details he mentions, I shall be pleased to see them. Mr. Burnside was not expelled because of his membership of this organisation, but because of his activity in it. After an article in the Sunday News on 18th May, Mr. Burnside was warned by his commanding officer that he could not be an active member of a political party and remain a member of the UDR. On 2nd June, Mr. Burnside issued a statement as Press officer of the Vanguard Unionist Party and as a result of his continued active involvement in politics he was discharged.