§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average length of the vetting period between the application to join the UDR and notice of acceptance or rejection of the application; and if he will take steps to shorten the vetting period.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe period betwen the receipt of an application to join the UDR and notification to the applicant of his acceptance or rejection is on average about five weeks. The time taken in individual cases varies considerably and depends on a number of factors, many of which are outside the control of my Department. Those procedures within our control are kept under constant review to avoid any unnecessary delay.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many persons, male and female, have applied to join the UDR since 1st January 1974; how many have been rejected; how many have been accepted; and how many applications are still being processed.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownBetween 1st January and 31st October 1974, 2,238 men and 528 women applied to join the UDR. In the same period, 1,141 men and 336 women were enrolled and 292 men and 57 women were rejected. At 31st156W October 1974 the applications of 439 men and 90 women were still being processed.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider some means by which applicants for the UDR who have been rejected may be allowed to appeal and have the opportunity of knowing and challenging the reasons for rejection.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownApplicants who have been rejected for service in the UDR may already appeal to the Secretary of the UDR Selection Board or direct to my Department. Alternatively, they may reapply at any time and the reasons for their previous rejection are then carefully re-examined. It would not be appropriate, in the circumstances in Northern Ireland, to disclose the reasons for the rejection.