HC Deb 19 February 1976 vol 905 cc1469-70
9. Mr. Dunlop

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average waiting time for would-be recruits to UDR and RUCR for a decision as to their acceptance or otherwise.

The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Roland Moyle)

The average time taken to reach a decision on a candidate's suitability for membership of the Ulster Defence Regiment is 10 weeks and for the Royal Ulster Constabulary (Reserve), six weeks.

Mr. Dunlop

Is the Minister aware that many would-be recruits, both ladies and gentlemen, have to wait for periods of up to four or six months before they even know whether they are to be accepted or rejected? Is he also aware that many other people who are suitable mentally, physically and in many other ways for service in these two services, are turned down for no reason whatsoever? Will he tell us what the reasons are and make a statement about the matter?

Mr. Moyle

These matters are for the headquarters, Northern Ireland, and the Chief Constable of the RUC. Reasons for rejection are withheld in the interests of the individuals applying. If the hon. Gentleman has any specific cases of people waiting for a very long time before being accepted, if he writes to the Chief Constable or the headquarters in Northern Ireland I am sure that those cases will be examined.

Rev. Ian Paisley

Have the ceilings of the RUCR and the UDR been reached?

Mr. Moyle

No. There are about 7,000 members in the UDR, which has an establishment of 11,000. The establishment of the RUCR has not been reached, but recruitment has been so good that the Chief Constable regards his ability to select as being improved as a result of the current situation.

Mr. McNamara

Is my hon. Friend able to say to what extent the establishment of the regular RUC has been reduced as a result of yesterday's activities, and what progress has been made by the individual concerned following his injury?

Mr. Moyle

The establishment has not been reduced, but there is one fewer effective member than there was yesterday.

Mr. McNamara

And his condition?

Mr. Moyle

He is coming on well.

Mr. Wm. Ross

The UDR members seem to spend half of their time on guard duty. Will an effort be made to ensure that they will be able to spend a greater part of their time on the roads, where their local knowledge would be of great benefit to the security forces?

Mr. Moyle

The GOC Northern Ireland has general responsibility for the UDR, and all operations that it undertakes are as a result of his desires.