HC Deb 23 October 1975 vol 898 cc253-4W
Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the Ulster Defence Regiment are Catholics.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

At present about 3 per cent. of the members of the Ulster Defence Regiment are Catholics.

Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what types of weapons are allocated to the Ulster Defence Regiment; and in what numbers.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

The Ulster Defence Regiment has the range of weapons necessary for its task in Northern Ireland. It would not be in the interests of security to disclose details of UDR weapon holdings.

Mr. Robert J. Bradford

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will confirm that Mr. Burnside was dismissed from the Ulster Defence Regiment because of the nature of his political views and not because of being actively involved in politics.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

As I explained to the hon. Member on 21st October, Mr. Burnside was discharged from the Ulster Defence Regiment because of his continued active involvement in politics.

Mr. Robert J. Bradford

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, in view of a delay of three months, if Mr. Burnside can now expect a reply from the Defence Council in the near future in respect of his dismissal from the Ulster Defence Regiment.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

Yes.