6. Mr. B. Taylorasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will consider reducing the 18 months' service with the Royal Navy of the Royal Fleet reservists who have been recalled.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasI cannot at present promise any reduction in the period of 18 months' service with the Royal Navy required of Royal Fleet reservists who have been recalled. These reservists, who have been in receipt of a retainer for service in emergency, are in shortage categories and the numbers on service will in any case decline since no further reservists are to be recalled. The situation will however be kept under careful review and the House can rely upon it that, if presently I find it possible to reduce the period at all, I will immediately do so.
Mr. TaylorWhile I thank the Minister for the latter part of his answer, may I ask him whether he is aware that the recalled Fleet Reservists are the only people in the Forces now covered by the Emergency Regulations?
§ Mr. ThomasI think I am right in saying that they are also the only body concerned who get a payment for being retained.