HL Deb 18 May 1970 vol 310 cc955-6WA
THE EARL OF CORK AND ORRERY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they can provide comparable figures to show the recruiting rate for The Royal Irish Rangers and for the three Regiments (now disbanded or amalgamated) of the North Irish Brigade.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OFSTATE FOR DEFENCE, R.A.F. (LORD WINTERBOTTOM)

No significant comparison is possible. The North Irish Brigade, comprising the 1st Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, the 1st Battalion, The Royal Ulster Rifles and the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Fusiliers, disbanded on July 1, 1968. Before disbandment, recruits were enlisted direct into the individual regiments. The two battalions of The Royal Irish Rangers are now recruited on a Divisional system under which recruits enlist into the King's Division and are allocated to individual regiments according to manning needs and individual preferences.

House adjourned at seven minutes before six o'clock.