HC Deb 29 April 1971 vol 816 cc198-201W
Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many applications were received to join the Ulster Defence Regiment in each of the last six months; and how many enlistments and resignations there were in each month.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

The number of applications received to join the Ulster Defence Regiment, the numbers enlisted and resigned in the months ended on the dates shown were:

Regular Army is effected through local security committees which co-ordinate the routine activities of all the security forces. These committees are chaired by Regular Army representatives and include garrison unit personnel, most of whom are on normal tours of duty in Northern Ireland. The appointment of special liaison officers between the U.D.R. and Regular Army is therefore not necessary.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence what proposals he proposes to make, in the current year, about the payment of bounty to members of the Ulster Defence Regiment who are unable to complete the qualifying training days because of the demands of active service.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

The regulations for the Ulster Defence Regiment allow those members who have completed one year's service without carrying out their obligatory training commitment in full to receive the full bounty if, in the judgment of G.O.C. Northern Ireland, the individual's shortfall in training is due to Service reasons.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence what arrangements exist to insure men on duty travelling to and from duty with the Ulster Defence Regiment; what premiums are payable; and by whom.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Members of the Ulster Defence Regiment are covered by the provisions of the Royal Warrant concerning pensions and other grants in respect of disablement or death due to service, including travel on or to or from duty.

Like members of the Regular Army no special insurance arrangements exist for men travelling to and from duty with the Ulster Defence Regiment. However, I understand that at the wish of the majority of the members a personal accident scheme has been negotiated by Headquarters Ulster Defence Regiment with a commercial insurance company. Premiums will be collected from those who wish to participate.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence what arrangements are being made to promote good relations between the Ulster Defence Regiment and the public.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Continuous efforts are made to promote good relations between the Ulster Defence Regiment and the public by seeking through the press, radio and television—including advertising—and by personal contacts of various kinds to describe the importance of the work carried out by the Regiment, and to explain the reasons when the duties of the Regiment necessarily cause inconvenience, as with road checks. The G.O.C. Northern Ireland has the guidance of an Advisory Council of distinguished citizens drawn from different walks of life in Northern Ireland under the chairmanship of General Sir John Anderson, the Colonel Commandant of the Regiment.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence what instructions are given to officers and men of the Ulster Defence Regiment about participation in political activities.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

The relevant instructions appear in Regulations for the Ulster Defence Regiment 1969, paragraphs 0611 to 0613 a copy of which I have sent to the hon. Member.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence what payments are received by officers and other ranks members of the Ulster Defence Regiment for service of eight hours, 15 hours and 22 hours, respectively, within any 24-hour period; and whether he will give specific examples.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Volunteer 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. Examples of minimum rates are as follows:

£
Private 2.50
Corporal 3.70
Sergeant 4.30
Major 8.00

Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the present mileage allowance for members of the Ulster Defence Regiment; what are the circumstances which permit the use of cars by members of this force; and whether he will review this rate of payment.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Members of the Ulster Defence Regiment can use their cars on official duty journeys and in travelling to and from their homes or work to their place of duty. The rate of mileage allowance for an average sized family car is between 2p and 4½p per mile, depending upon the nature of the journey.

These rates and conditions of use, which are those that apply for members of the T.A.V.R., are regularly reviewed.