asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the Ulster Defence Regiment are now on full-time duty; what is to be the duration of this call up; and, in view of its necessity, what steps are being taken to expedite and add to the formation of Conrate sub-units.

There are at present no members of the UDR on general call out, although between 17th March and 7th April five UDR companies were called out for periods of full-time service varying from one to three weeks. Recruitment and training of personnel for five full-time platoons are proceeding satisfactorily and three of the platoons have started to perform operational tasks. The formation of additional full-time platoons is under consideration.