§ 42. Mr. Croninasked the Minister of State for Defence when it was first drawn to his attention that the Irish Republican Army were using high velocity tungsten tipped bullets and that these bullets could penetrate armoured personnel carriers.
§ Lord BalnielIn December, 1971. Immediate steps were taken to determine what measures could be taken to improve the protection afforded by armoured personnel carriers.
§ 43. Mr. Croninasked the Minister of State for Defence how many British soldiers have been killed and wounded, respectively, by high velocity tungsten tipped bullets when in armoured personnel carriers in Northern Ireland.
§ Lord BalnielFour killed and 10 wounded.
§ Mr. McManusasked the Minister of State for Defence how many guns have been reported as lost by or stolen from members of the Ulster Defence Regiment in the last six months; and how many have been recovered following investigations
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithSince 1st February, 1972, 49 weapons of different kinds have been reported lost by or stolen from the Ulster Defence Regiment. Five of these weapons have been recovered to date.
§ Mr. Croninasked the Minister of State for Defence what action he is taking to protect British soldiers in Northern Ireland from high velocity tungsten tipped bullets when travelling in Army vehicles.
§ Lord BalnielActions which have been taken to provide additional protection for our troops include the deployment of further Saracen APCs to Northern Ireland as well as the making of arrangements to increase the armour protection of the 1-ton APCs.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about the formation of a permanent battalion of the Ulster Defence Regiment.
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§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithI have nothing to add to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend on this point on 26th May. In the last two weeks, recruiting to the Ulster Defence Regiment has improved, and application to join the regiment have averaged 78 per week over the last five weeks.—[Vol. 837, c. 499–500.]
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will list the items of clothing and equipment which should be issued to each soldier in the Ulster Defence Regiment; how many soldiers are not fully equipped; and what items are in short supply.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithThe entitled scale of clothing and equipment for the Ulster Defence Regiment is almost identical with that provided for the TAVR Group "A". This includes combat dress, boots, steel helmets and webbing equipment. There is no general shortage of any of these items, but individuals may experience some delay before being issued with the correct size. All units have their full scale of unit and personal weapons.