§ Mr. Maginnisasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the effect on recruitment and morale of the Royal Ulster Constabulary of his decision not to grant the special allowance.
§ Mr. David HowellNo assessment has been made, nor is one considered necessary. The level of recruitment to the RUC and its morale are not dependent on the granting of a special allowance.
§ Mr. Maginnisasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what specific efforts have been made to improve recruitment for the RUC and RUCR; and how many resignations have been received during 1972.
§ Mr. David HowellEvery effort is being made to improve recruitment to the RUC and RUC Reserve.
Eleven full-time recruiting officers equipped with appropriate aids are employed throughout the Province. They are assisted in their recruiting efforts by serving members of the force. Close contact is maintained with careers masters and youth employment officers, and lectures are given at schools and to youth organisations and other interested bodies. The extensive advertising programme continues with full use of the news media. Over 1,400 men and women have been recruited to the RUC in the last three years; and since its establishment in 1970 there have been 2,701 recruits to the Reserve.
369WThere were 128 resignations from the RUC and 275 from the RUC Reserve in 1972.