§ Lord Bleaseasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will indicate support for the undertaking given by a former Prime Minister of Northern Ireland (NI-HC-0fficial Report; 14th December 1971; col. 1180) that the services of members of the Belfast Harbour Police are considered eligible for appropriate service honours and awards on a similar basis to members of the fire and the ambulance services and the RUC.
§ The Earl of MansfieldMembers of the Belfast Harbour Police are fully considered alongside candidates from the fire and ambulance services and the Royal Ulster Constabulary when the half yearly honours lists are compiled.
Like those other services, the Belfast Harbour Police have given steadfast service in recent years. Only members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, however—outside the armed services—have been the continuous target of terrorist attack by virtue solely of membership of the force. The unusual grant of a service medal has therefore been limited to the RUC and its Reserve.