§ 42. Captain Ryderasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many ratings who have completed their time for pension are still retained for naval duty; and whether they can be replaced by men on the Reserve who have not yet completed this 12 years' service.
§ The Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. James Callaghan)About 1,000. Royal Fleet reservists with less than 12 years' active service could not replace these ratings.
§ Captain RyderIn view of the fact that it causes great hardship to the individuals concerned, would the Parliamentary Secretary say which categories of ratings it has been found necessary to retain and why they cannot be replaced?
§ Mr. CallaghanGenerally speaking all categories are being retained. Commodores of barracks have standing instructions to release any senior ratings in any categories in which there may prove to be an overbearing from time to time.
§ Mr. Michael FootIs my hon. Friend aware that statements have appeared in the Press in the last few days that some of the men retained are to be retained for a longer period than the special call-up period of 18 months, and that these statements are being made despite the specific assurance he gave the other day on the subject? Will he take steps to try and remove the sense of grievance and hardship which these rumours have caused?
§ Mr. CallaghanI saw it in one London newspaper, and I regret it. There is absolutely no truth in the suggestion that there is to be any extension of service beyond 18 months.
§ Commander NobleHow many men in the Royal Fleet Reserve will be available for call-up to replace these men?
§ Mr. CallaghanThe total number in the Royal Fleet Reserve which I published at the end of the year was about 20,000 to 24,000.
§ Commander NobleIs it not a fact that only 6,000 of them have been called up?
§ Mr. CallaghanYes, that is true.