§ Mr. Woodallasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement about the revised terms and conditions of service for the full-time element of the Ulster Defence Regiment.
§ The Prime MinisterAs my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland told the House on 2nd July 1976 and 17th December 1976, the full-time element of the UDR, which has hitherto been employed on training, administrative and static guard duties, is being increased and is being given new tasks. It will in future participate in a range of operational duties similar to those undertaken by the Regular Army in Northern Ireland. In the light of this new rôle, the Armed 129W Forces Pay Review Body has recommended new rates of pay for the full-time element of the UDR that are equivalent to those for the Regular Army, but with some small abatements in recognition of the fact that the UDR will not suffer disturbance or separation from home and family in the same way as the Regular Army. The revised rates, which have been accepted by the Government, will be placed in the Library of the House.