HC Deb 24 July 1986 vol 102 cc489-90W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the manpower strength of the British Army in Northern Ireland giving details of the number of operatives for the following categories (a) Ulster Defence Regiment, (b) Regular British Army and (c) British Territorial Army on 30 June 1985.

Mr. Freeman

I assume the hon. Member's question meant to refer to figures for 30 June 1986. These figures are not yet available. The figures for 31 May 1986 are as follows:

Number
Ulster Defence Regiment 6,541
Regular Army 10,161
Territorial Army *3,550
* as at 31 March 1986.

The figures for the Ulster Defence Regiment include both full time and part-time soldiers. Soldiers of the Territorial Army are not used in support of the RUC in counter-terrorist operations.