HC Deb 11 February 1972 vol 830 cc452-3W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the time taken from the date of application to join the Ulster Defence Regiment and notice of acceptance or rejection; how this compares with previous years; and whether the time taken for screening the application can be further reduced.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

In 1970 the time taken to process applications was about six weeks on average. By the end of last year this was reduced to about four weeks, and it is now nearer three weeks. In view of the processes involved and the need for thoroughness, I doubt that any further significant reduction will be practicable.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Minister of State for Defence what were the recruitment figures of each year since the Ulster Defence Regiment was established; how many applied to join in each year giving the number of Protestants and Roman Catholic applicants: how many applications were rejected in each year; and how many Protestants and Roman Catholic applicants were rejected.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

The enrolled strengths at the end of 1970 and 1971 were about 4,009 and 6,648, respectively. In 1970 7,751 applications were received, including 6,070 from Potestants and 1,602 from Roman Catholics, of which 672 and 314, respectively, were rejected. The corresponding figures for 1971 were 6,645; 6,241; 294; 449; and 40.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Minister of State for Defence what are the latest recruitment figures for the Ulster Defence Regiment; what is the existing total strength of the regiment; how many battalions now exist; and where they are located.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

The strength of the regiment on 9th February, 1972, was 269 officers and 7,005 soldiers. There are now 10 battalions located as follows:

  • 1st Battalion—Co. Antrim North.
  • 2nd Battalion—Co. Armagh.
  • 3rd Battalion—Co. Down.
  • 4th Battalion—Co. Fermanagh.
  • 5th Battalion—Co. Londonderry.
  • 8th Battalion—Co. Tyrone East.
  • 7th Battalion—City of Belfast.
  • 8th Battalion—Co. Tyrone West.
  • 9th Battalion—Co. Antrim South.
  • 10th Battalion—City of Belfast.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Minister of State for Defence what progress has been made to date in setting up local units of the Ulster Defence Regiment throughout Northern Ireland.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

As the U.D.R. has expanded during the last five months, three additional battalions, 12 additional companies and 92 additional platoons have been authorised, though not all in new locations. While the deployment of the U.D.R. will remain a matter for the military judgment of the G.O.C., the increase in strength of the regiment will make it easier for members to serve nearer their homes.