Viscount BROOOKEBOROUGHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will give an unequivocal assurance on the future of the Ulster Defence Regiment if peace-time conditions return to Northern Ireland.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE (Lord Donaldson of Kingsbridge)My Lords, I am glad to be able to assure the noble Lord that the Ulster Defence Regiment has a continuing role to play in the security of Northern Ireland.
§ Viscount BROOKEBOROUGHMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer, which I understand means that, even if we return to peace-time conditions, the UDR will be assured of a position. May I ask him whether, when the Government are restructuring the UDR and trying to ensure that their role is a correct one, there will be a special incentive to provide a purpose for this very gallant body of people, beyond that which has so far been applied to the Territorial Army, to ensure that it continues to exist?
§ Lord DONALDSON of KINGS-BRIDGEMy Lords, the purport of the noble Lord's supplementary question is not entirely clear to me. I repeat that my right honourable friend the Secretary of State is perfectly clear in his mind that, whether or not we succeed in maintaining the present temporary and rather partial ceasefire, there will always be a role for that very gallant body of men whose work my right honourable friend 1340 appreciates as much as does the noble Viscount.
§ Lord HAILSHAM of SAINT MARYLEBONEMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he will convey to the officers and men of the UDR the great admiration with which they are regarded on this side of St. George's Channel?
§ Lord DONALDSON of KINGS-BRIDGEYes, my Lords; and may I add from this side of the House that I shall do so with pleasure.