HL Deb 14 April 1993 vol 544 cc77-8WA
The Earl of Kinnoull

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to reach further conclusions about personnel numbers in the Royal Navy.

Viscount Cranborne

As announced by my right honourable friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces on 1st April 1993 (HC. Deb., col.WA323), I can confirm that, in the light of the overall reductions required in the Royal Navy, a third phase of Royal Navy redundancies will be necessary in 1994. The maximum overall number is likely to be of the order of 2,300, but further work is needed to determine precise numbers. Detailed terms will be promulgated within the Navy in the summer. We will be encouraging the maximum number of volunteers, although some compulsory measures may be needed in order to achieve the proper balance of manpower within the Royal Navy.