Ulster Defence Regiment

HC Deb 20 February 1987 vol 110 c869W

Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the present organisation and operations of the Ulster Defence Regiment.

Mr. Stanley

The Ulster Defence Regiment continues to make an indispensable contribution to Army operations in support of the RUC in Northern Ireland and currently provides first line support in 85 per cent. of the Province. Improvements in organisation and training continue to be made, in order to enable the regiment to maintain the high standards of operational performance necessary to meet its commitments. These include the implementation of the training improvements referred to in my reply to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) on 19 December 1985 at columns245–46.