Ulster Defence Regiment

HC Deb 23 May 1978 vol 950 cc462-3W

33. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the current strength of the Ulster Defence Regiment.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

The strength of the Ulster Defence Regiment on 31st March was 7,862, of whom 2,192 were full-time. The total strength includes 709 women, of whom 78 were full-time.

49. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about the build-up of the Ulster Defence Regiment.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

Recruitment to implement the build-up of the permanent cadre of the UDR approved last year is going well. The strength of the permanent cadre stands at 2,192. Twelve full-time platoons are now operational, three are carrying out limited operations and one is recruiting.