§ Sir Peter Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any changes are proposed in the organisation of the Ulster Defence Regiment; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. StanleyAs part of the continuing process of adjusting the organisation of the security forces so that they can respond better to the terrorist threat, it has been decided that the 1st Battalion and the 9th Battalion of the UDR will amalgamate into a single battalion; and that the 7th Battalion and the 10th Battalion of the UDR will also amalgamate into a single battalion. It is proposed that the first amalgamation will take place by June 1984 and the second amalgamation later in 1984. These amalgamations are designed to increase operational effectiveness by bringing the battalion areas more closely into line with the divisional areas of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, which have recently been changed, so improving the support given by the Army to the police. The amalgamations will involve only marginal changes in the total strength of the UDR and there will be an increase in the numbers of soldiers available for patrolling. The regiment will have a continuing role; in particular it will play a full part in providing the support required by the RUC. I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the regiment whose bravery, dedication and devotion to duty have been exemplary.