asked the Secretary of State for Defence what were the terms of his reply to the representations made by the Ulster Young Unionist Council requesting a recommendation that the Ulster Defence Regiment should become a Royal Regiment.

I have replied to the Ulster Young Unionist Council and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of my letter. I also refer my hon. Friend to the reply my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to the hon. Member for Belfast, East (Mr. Robinson) on 4 June 1980—[Vol. 985, c. 642–43]—which remains the Government's position. The question of special awards For members of the UDR is, however, being actively considered at present.