HC Deb 29 October 1981 vol 10 cc461-2W

Mr. Wm. Ross asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the present members of the Ulster Defence Regiment are former Regular soldiers who transferred to that regiment's full-time cadre; and, of these, how many there are in each battalion of the Ulster Defence Regiment.

Mr. Wiggin: The information is not available within the time scale. I shall write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Wm. Ross asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is his policy to inform the clergyman of the Church to which a murdered member of the Ulster Defence Regiment belonged as soon as possible after the death; and if he is satisfied that such action is always prompt.

Mr. Wiggin: It is the practice of the Ulster Defence Regiment to inform the next of kin of the death or injury of any member of the Ulster Defence Regiment as soon as possible. it is for the family to decide if, and when, the clergy should be told.