§ 15. Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the recruiting figures for the Royal Ulster Constabulary in each of the last three years and to date in 1978.
§ Mr. PendryDuring the last three years, the numbers of recruits joining the regular RUC were as follows:
So far this year 631 recruits have joined the force, and the strength now stands at 6,116.
1975 505 1976 581 1977 679
§ Mr. FreudThe figures are obviously encouraging, but does the Minister feel that enough is being done to recruit into the RUC? Will he now seek to set up a committee of inquiry to try to find out why there is an extraordinary reluctance on the part of the Catholic community to join the RUC?
§ Mr. PendryI am sure that the hon. Gentleman will agree that the situation is very encouraging. It was perhaps unfortunate that his speech last night followed the winding-up speech, because, I too, would have been interested in the reply. I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will take note of the remarks that the hon. Gentleman made last night, and will be replying.
It is unfortunate that there are too few Catholics in the force. I think that is recognised by all. It is also unfortunate 1614 that not sufficient encouragement is given in certain quarters to see that more Catholics join the force. I think that we are in accord on that matter. We hope that more will be done in future in this respect.
§ Mr. FlanneryDoes my hon. Friend agree that these bald figures cloak a situation which is due to the Government not publicising the numbers of Catholics recruited, and therefore give no real indication whether the minority community has any respect for the RUC? Therefore, is it not absolutely relevant and necessary for us to know whether the minority community has any confidence in and is joining that force? Can we not somehow get at the numbers? I support the request of the hon. Member for the Isle of Ely (Mr. Freud) for some kind of inquiry to reveal the numbers.
§ Mr. PendryAs my hon. Friend knows, it is difficult to arrive at numbers, because religion is not asked about on the application form. However, it is certain that the RUC is gaining more support. I am confident that it has the support of most people in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. McCuskerIf the Minister believes that lack of leadership in the Catholic community is deterring young Catholics from joining the RUC, may I ask what specific proposals he has to get leaders in that community to encourage their members to join the force?
§ Mr. PendryI feel that it is up to those leaders, not me.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWe would all like more Roman Catholics to join the RUC and hope that the hon. Member for Belfast, West (Mr. Fitt) will encourage them, always subject to getting the best men and women irrespective of religion. However, is it not a matter of satisfaction to the House that a number of Roman Catholics are now making their mark in the modern RUC at high and key levels in the force?
§ Mr. PendryI believe that to be so.
§ Mr. LitterickWill my hon. Friend tell the House who has responsibility under the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act for knowing whether the RUC is actually conforming with the 1615 terms of that Act with respect to recruitment?
§ Mr. PendryI do not believe that there is a quota system. I should need to look into this matter before replying to my hon. Friend.