§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence what consideration has been given to the present method of call out for members of the Ulster Defence Regiment; and whether individual members of that regiment will in future be allowed greater freedom to operate on their own initiative.
§ Mr. BlakerThe Ulster Defence Regiment operates as formed bodies of troops within the normal military command structure. Its operational deployment must be a matter for the local military commander in accordance with overall security planning. It is not proposed to alter this system.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence for what reason in relation to their duty, prospective members of the Ulster Defence Regiment are requested to sit an examination in which they are asked to write an essay.
§ Mr. BlakerI have no knowledge of this. If my hon. Friend will let me have more details I will look into the matter further.