HC Deb 08 March 1977 vol 927 cc501-2W
Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether a definitive statement of the rôle and responsibilities of the Ulster Defence Regiment has been made following the recent decision to change its relationships with the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

The UDR now has a more direct contact with the RUC in certain areas but its basic relationship with the police remains unchanged.

Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what spares currently exist to service Ulster Defence Regiment radio equipment.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

The Royal Army Ordnance Corps is responsible for providing spares support for technical equipment used by the Army, including the Ulster Defence Regiment, and maintains stocks of spares, including those for all Army radio equipment, centrally in Northern Ireland for issue according to requirements. Spares are not held separately for the Ulster Defence Regiment or any other Army unit.

Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the procurement of a firing range for the Ulster Defence Regiment in County Armagh.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

Existing Army firing ranges in and near County Armagh are not for the exclusive use of one regiment or another and the Ulster Defence Regiment can and does use them. There are currently no plans to procure additional firing ranges in the area.