§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present membership level of the Ulster Defence Regiment, both full-time and part-time; what it was at the corresponding date in each of the past four years; what changes of role the Ulster Defence Regiment has had over the past two years; and whether any changes are envisaged over the next 12 months.
§ Mr. GoodhartThe strength of the UDR at 30 June 1981 and at the corresponding date in each of the past four years was as follows:
Part-time Full-time 30 June 1977 5,944 1,707 30 June 1978 5,656 2,314 30 June 1979 5,023 2,495 30 June 1980 4,766 2,610 20 June 1981 4,747 2,723 The role of the UDR is to assist the regular forces in providing support for the RUC. There has been no change in this role over the last two years and we do not envisage making changes in the next 12 months.