HC Deb 10 February 1971 vol 811 cc193-4W
Mr. Pounder

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many applications to join the Ulster Defence Regiment are awaiting a decision as at 1st February, 1971.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

338, as at 5th February, 1971.

Mr. Pounder

asked the Minister of State for Defence (1) how many applications to join the Ulster Defence Regiment had been accepted by 1st February, 1971;

(2) what percentage of the applications accepted for membership of the Ulster Defence Regiment has come from Roman Catholic applicants, as at 1st February, 1971.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

As at 5th February, 5,766 applications to join had been accepted of which 17.5 per cent. were from Roman Catholics. Not all of the applicants subsequently enrolled.

Mr. Pounder

asked the Minister of State for Defence (1) what is the percentage of applications to join the Ulster Defence Regiment which has been rejected as at 1st February, 1971;

(2) what percentage of the applications rejected for membership of the Ulster Defence Regiment has come from Roman Catholic applicants, as at 1st February, 1971.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

As at 5th February, 1971, 13 per cent. of the applications had been rejected. 31 per cent. of the applications rejected were from Roman Catholics.