§ Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the total number of men enlisted in the Ulster Defence Regiment to the latest convenient date; and how many of these are on one-year contracts.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithAs at 7th June the strengtth of the Ulster Defence Regiment was 4,143 of whom about 800 were committed to one year's service.
§ Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will increase the mileage allowance for members of the Ulster Defence Regiment.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithAll mileage rates are kept under review and there are no grounds for specially increasing those for members of the Ulster Defence Regiment at present.
§ Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Minister of State for Defence whether a regimental band or bands are being created in the Ulster Defence Regiment, and how much equipment has been provided.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithThere is no intention to form a regimental band in the Ulster Defence Regiment. However each of the battalions in the regiment is forming a corps of Pipes and Drums from existing members of the battalion whose duties in the corps of Pipes and Drums will be in addition to their normal duties. A proportion of the necessary equipment has already been provided.
§ Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Minister of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost of providing all members of the Ulster Defence Regiment with adequate insurance cover while travelling to and from duty.
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§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithAs I informed the hon. Member on 29th April, members of the Ulster Defence Regiment are covered by the provisions of the Royal Warrant concerning pensions and other grants in respect of death or disablement when travelling to or from duty. These are the same provisions which cover members of the Regular Forces. Any resultant awards are the responsibility of the Department of Health and Social Security.—[Vol. 816, c.199.]