HC Deb 23 October 1973 vol 861 cc466-7W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will remove the prefix "Royal" from the title of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Mr. Peter Mills

No.

Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many community relations officers there are in the Royal Ulster Constabulary; and what plans he has for increasing this number, in particular for work with teenagers in areas where there are clashes between children coming home from school.

Mr. Peter Mills

The Police Authority for Northern Ireland and the Chief Constable are conscious of the fundamental importance of the work of the community relations branch of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and its strength and deployment are kept under constant review. The branch comprises one chief inspector, five inspectors, eight sergeants and four constables, but all members of the force have a positive rôle to perform in this field. In difficult areas in Belfast members of the force are actively involved in improving relationships between children from different schools, and the community relations branch has, in particular, organised day and weekend outings for children from these areas.