§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportions of the members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve are currently estimated to be Catholics; and what proportion of those recruited in each year since 1986 is estimated to be Catholics.
§ Mr. Ian Stewart[holding answer 1 November 1988]: Although arrangements are currently being made to introduce monitoring of the religious denomination of members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and its Reserve, the database has not yet been completed. However I understand that about 10 per cent. of the combined strength of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and full-time Reserve is believed to be Roman Catholic. It is estimated that the proportion of recruits to the force since 1986 who are Roman Catholic is as follows:
RUC Percent RUC Full-time Reserve Percent 1986 10 12 1987 9 7 1988 (to October) 10 9 The Royal Ulster Constabulary will continue its efforts to attract suitably qualified recruits from all sections of the community.