HC Deb 22 July 1981 vol 9 c179W
Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many occasions in the past six months the Royal Ulster Constabulary has been fired at by terrorists; on how many occasions it returned fire; and how many terrorists were killed or injured as a result.

Mr. Alison

[pursuant to his reply, 21 July 1981]: Between 1 January and 16 July 1981, the Royal Ulster Constabulary has been fired on by terrorists on 156 occasions. It either opened or returned fire on 47 occasions during the same period. No terrorists are believed to have been killed as a result; otherwise, information on terrorist casualties is not available.

Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the present membership level of the Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve; and what is the actual active service level of this force.

Mr. Alison

[pursuant to his reply, 21 July 1981]: The strength of the Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve at 30 June 1981 was 4,789. It is not clear what the hon. Gentleman means by the actual active service level of the force; the average number of hours duty performed by members of the Reserve could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.