§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the proposed formation of a full-time battalion within the Ulster Defence Regiment.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithAs part of our continuing review of the security forces in Northern Ireland and our wish to improve recruiting to the U.D.R., we are considering the possibility of raising a full-time battalion within the Ulster Defence Regiment. This would not be a separate force, but, like the rest of the U.D.R., would be part of the British Army.
No decision has yet been taken. If it were decided to set up such a unit, legislation would be required.