§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to what factors he attributes the fall in the part-time strength of the Royal Ulster Constabulary; and what is his policy for future part-time recruitment.
§ Mr. AlisonWhile there has been some reduction in the strength of the part-time Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve, it should be noted that one of the most important factors in the decline has been the substantial movement from the part-time section to the full-time section of the Reserve and the Regular Force. In the 12 months to 31 October, for example, the part-time strength fell by 107 but in the same period 203 part-time members of the Reserve left to join the Regular Force and the full-time Reserve. This resulted in a net gain for the combined strength of the RUC and the RUC Reserve (part-time and full-time). I am advised by the Chief Constable that the present policy is to be more selective and to recruit only for the areas where 453W additional personnel are still required. There are no plans to change the existing recruitment policy at present.