§ Mr. Gowasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the establishment of the Royal Ulster Constabulary; by how many the RUC falls short of that establishment at present; and what steps he is taking to increase recruitment and diminish wastage.
§ Mr. Moyle,pursuant to his reply—[Official Report, 1st July 1976; Vol. 914, c. 255], gave the following answer:
The information is as follows:
Establishment 6,500 Number below Establishment on 31st May 1976 1,445 The RUC recruiting branch and the Northern Ireland Police Authority have mounted an extensive advertising campaign for recruits in the Press and on television. This has met with considerable success. 505 recruits were accepted into the RUC in 1975—more than in any other year since 1970—and 238 recruits were accepted in the period 1st January to 31st May 1976, giving net gains, after retirements, etc., of 337 and 153, respectively.