§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence on what date he established the Advisory Committee on Recruiting for the Ulster Defence Regiment; what are the Committee's terms of reference; and who are the members of the Committee.
§ Mr. HattersleyThe Advisory Council for the Ulster Defence Regiment was established with effect from 1st January, 145W 1970. It held its first meeting on 5th January.
The terms of reference and composition of the Council are as follows:
To advise the G.O.C., Northern Ireland, on general policy for the administration of the Ulster Defence Regiment, in particular on recruitment policy; and on such specific matters as the G.O.C. might refer to the Council.Chairman:
General Sir John Anderson.
Members:
- Professor T. M. Charlton.
- Sir Ian Fraser.
- Mr. F. G. Guckian.
- Mr. Brendan Harkin.
- Mr. David Kennedy.
- Sir Robin Kinahan.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is aware that the use of the name Ulster in the title of the Ulster Defence Regiment is harmful to the relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Eire because three counties of Ulster are situated in the Republic; and if he will introduce amending legislation to alter the title to avoid this difficulty.
§ Mr. HattersleyI cannot accept that the use of the word "Ulster" in this context is harmful to our relations with the Republic of Ireland, and I do not intend to introduce legislation.