HC Deb 14 March 1962 vol 655 cc1291-2
4. Mr. Wall

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how many Royal Marines are now serving in Her Majesty's ships; and what percentage of the Corps this represents.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

The number was 1,536 on 31st December, 1961. This was 17 per cent. of the Corps' strength.

Mr. Wall

Can my hon. Friend say whether that includes the Commando "Bulwark"? Does he not agree that it is extremely important for the Royal Marines to maintain close contact with the Royal Navy and that as high a percentage-as possible should serve in Her Majesty's ships?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

This figure does include the Commando "Bulwark", and I thoroughly agree with my hon. Friend that it is desirable that this association should continue and increase. In fact the figures for the last three years have shown an increase—17 per cent., and 13 per cent. in the year before.