Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time members of the Ulster Defence Regiment there were at the date of its abolition; and how many (i) full-time and (ii) part-time members are now serving in the Royal Irish Regiment in Northern Ireland. [25931]
§ Mr. SoamesThere were 2, 990 full-time and 2, 858 part-time members of the Ulster Defence Regiment when it amalgamated with the Royal Irish Rangers to form the Royal Irish Regiment on 1 July 1992. The Royal Irish Regiment (Home Service) consisted of 3, 014 full-time and 2, 122 part-time soldiers on 31 March 1996.