HC Deb 26 January 2001 vol 361 c774W
Mr. Maginnis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the reduction in the numbers of full-time RUC Reserve officers for each year from 1997 to 2000; and how many are scheduled to leave in each year from 2001 to 2004. [144692]

Mr. Ingram

The following table shows the numerical strength of the full-time Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve from 31 December 1996 to 31 December 2000.

Year Strength Gain/loss (year on year)
31 December 1996 2,929 —
31 December 1997 2,982 +53
31 December 1998 2,936 -46
31 December 1999 2,719 -217
31 December 2000 2,555 -164

It is not possible to be definitive on the number of officers scheduled to leave between years 2001 and 2004 as this is dependent on a number of factors, including officers applying for renewal and the extension of contracts etc. However, 249 officers are eligible to apply to leave under the RUC Voluntary Severance Scheme in year 1 and year 2. I can confirm that under the Scheme 15 officers will leave during year 1.

Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many officers of the Royal Ulster Constabulary have served in(a) Bosnia and (b) Kosovo; if they were given advice about depleted uranium; if they have served in locations identified as sites subject to a presence of depleted uranium; what health checks will be provided for these police officers; and if he will make a statement. [145931]

Mr. Ingram

From April 1999, a total of 12 officers from the Royal Ulster Constabulary have served in Bosnia including five officers currently serving in the area. From November 1999, a total of 108 RUC officers have served in Kosovo including 64 officers still on attachment.

Although not specific to depleted uranium, all officers were briefed before their deployment about the dangers of approaching or coming into contact with abandoned military vehicles or ordnance, damaged or abandoned buildings. Adherence to this advice will have helped eliminate potential sources of contamination. RUC officers have served in a number of regions but thus far not in areas causing concern. As a matter of course, all officers receive full medical screening before deployment and on completion of their attachment. Blood tests will identify any anomalies suggestive of leukaemia or related conditions.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary is liaising with all relevant agencies concerning the situation and will undertake any additional screening considered necessary.