§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes are contemplated in the organisation, recruitment, conditions of service, ranks and dress of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and Reserve; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonThe establishment of policewomen in the Royal Ulster Contabulary has been increased from 175 to 300. In addition, women will now be accepted for enrolment in the part-time RUC Reserve, which initially will have an establistment of 400 policewomen. Women reservists will wear the same uniform and perform the same funtions as regular policewomen. Entry qualifications will be similar to those for regular policewomen, with some differences in age limits and height requirements.
155WThree-year contracts will be offered to men in the RUC Reserve who wish to serve on a full-time basis, This is an extension of the one-year contract currently offered. The new three-year contracts will be open to those already serving on one-year contracts, as well as to new entrants. A taxable gratuity of £500 will be paid at the end of the three-year contract period.