§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the Ulster Defence Regiment are now on full-time duty; what is to be the duration of this call up; and, in view of its necessity, what steps are being taken to expedite and add to the formation of Conrate sub-units.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThere are at present no members of the UDR on general call out, although between 17th March and 7th April five UDR companies were called out for periods of full-time service varying from one to three weeks. Recruitment and training of personnel for five full-time platoons are proceeding satisfactorily and three of the platoons have started to perform operational tasks. The formation of additional full-time platoons is under consideration.