§ 18. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of State for Defence how many junior ratings in the Royal Marines opted out of the service in the first six months service, over a convenient period of time; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KirkIn the 12 months from 1st July, 1969 to 30th June, 1970 3,313 juniors were recruited into the Royal Navy. Of these, 865—that is, 26.1 per cent.—opted out during their first six months service.
During the same period 385 junior Marines were recruited. Of these, 129—that is, 33.5 per cent.—opted out during their first six months service.
More recent figures suggest that the rate of wastage in junior Marines may be falling.
§ Mr. WallHow many young men took up the option of leaving the Service after 12 weeks training? Will my hon. Friend consider making this voluntary break period at the end of training rather than in the middle?
§ Mr. KirkAbout half in both cases left at the end of the first break point. Obviously this is not a satisfactory situation. We are looking at various ways in which we could alleviate this. It will be impossible to assess the position finally until we know the results of the Donaldson recommendations as they work their way through into recruiting. There are other things which we might be able to do.