HC Deb 29 October 1970 vol 805 cc155-7W
37. Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence what improvements in equipment, especially for night operations, for the Ulster Defence

1st Bn. (Antrim) 2nd Bn. (Armagh) 3rd Bn. (Down) 4th Bn. (Fermanagh) 5th Bn. (Londonderry) 6th Bn. (Tyrone) 7th Bn. (Belfast)
Number of men enrolled 639 542 331 461 427 875 694
Former members of U.S.C. 227* 346 119 382 227 555 74
Ex-servicemen 209* 86 127 27 84 93 282
Total number of men who have resigned 37 37 34 13 87 48 78
* Included in the number of men enrolled.

Regiment have been made in the last six months.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

Improvements in equipment for the Ulster Defence Regiment in the last six months include the provision of marshalling lamps and flashing lights, as well as other night visibility aids. Searchlights have also been installed on some vehicles. Additional vehicles, trailers and radio sets will also shortly be issued.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence what was the number of applications received for the Ulster Defence Regiment to the latest convenient date; how many have been from Roman Catholics; how many have been from former members of the Ulster Special Constabulary; and how many have been from ex-servicemen.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

As at 23rd October, 7,262 applications to join the Ulster Defence Regiment had been received. Of these, 1,530 were from Roman Catholics, 3,015 were from former members of the Ulster Special Constabulary, and 1,898 were from ex-servicemen.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence (1) what was the number of men enrolled into each battalion of the Ulster Defence Regiment, to the latest convenient date; how many of these, by battalion, were formerly members of the Ulster Special Constabulary: and how many ex-Service men;

(2) what is the number of men who have resigned from each battalion of the Ulster Defence Regiment to the latest convenient date.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

The information is as follows, as at 23rd October:

Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence what was the number of members of the Ulster Defence Regiment who were on active duty during the weekend 10th to 13th July, inclusive.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

The numbers varied from day to day. For the four days from 10th to 13th July inclusive, the totals were 526, 636, 904 and 844.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence what was the number of new applications received for the Ulster Defence Regiment in each of the last six weeks.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

Starting with the week ended 18th September, the figures are 51, 38, 36, 50, 50 and 69, respectively.

Mr. Chichester Clark

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether the Ulster Defence Regiment is yet at full strength; and whether he plans to create a Reserve List from among those who make subsequent applications.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

The U.D.R. is still being built up. The question of a Reserve List accordingly does not arise at present. No suitable applicants are being turned away.