§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the present strength of the Royal Ulster Constabulary; by how many its numbers have increased in the past three months; what its defined tasks are within the overall security context; in which regions of Ulster it operates without military assistance; and in which areas, after military intervention, it has had returned to its full responsibility for law and order.
§ Mr. David HowellThe present strength of the RUC is 4,197. Its strength has increased by 58 in the past three months.
Its defined tasks within the overall security context are the normal tasks of any police force in the United Kingdom, and include the protection of life and property and preservation of the peace. The RUC operates without direct military assistance in most areas of Northern Ireland, both urban and rural. In certain areas of Belfast and Londonderry immediate military assistance is still necessary and frequently the same need applies in border areas where there is a likelihood of meeting with armed attackers. The RUC has never relinquished responsibility for law and order, but situations have arisen in certain districts—particularly in Belfast and in the Bogside area of Londonderry—which required military intervention.
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§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many recruits have joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary in each of the months so far this year; and how far short of establishment is the total enrolment.
§ Mr. David HowellThe information is as follows:
January 36 February 1 March 42 April 36 May 1 June 44 July 2 August 54 September 51 October (Not yet available) Total 267 On 24th October, the Royal Ulster Constabulary was 199 members short of its establishment of 4,396 for the current financial year.