HC Deb 15 April 1980 vol 982 cc998-1000
9. Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what success he has had since taking office in improving recruitment for the reserve forces and what further plans he has for the expansion of these reserve forces.

Mr. Hayhoe

Recruitment to the volunteer reserve forces is going very well. Since the announcement of increased bounties last August, for example, the strength of the Territorial Army has risen by well over 3,000 to more than 63,000, its highest level since the 1967 reorganisation. Since taking office we have announced the creation of a new Air Branch for the Royal Naval Reserve and we have launched a scheme involving the recruitment of three regiment squadrons of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. There are at present no proposals for the further expansion of the volunteer reserves but we shall of course keep this possibility under review.

Mr. Price

While I thank my hon. Friend for the first part of his answer may I ask him, on the second part, whether he should not press ahead? Does he not agree that the most effective method of increasing this country's defence capability—given the current budgetary restraints—is through an increase in our reserve forces?

Mr. Hayhoe

Our reserve forces are extremely cost effective, though they are all below establishment at present. I would like to see our current recruiting drives continue successfully so that we achieve establishment levels.

Mr. Allan Roberts

Does the Minister agree that increased recruitment into our reserve forces—and indeed into all our Armed Forces—has more to do with increasing unemployment than with any patriotism that may exist among our young people? Is it not a crying shame that people are forced to join the Armed Forces because there is no other work for them?

Mr. Hayhoe

The hon. Gentleman is wrong on both counts. Those joining the Territorial Army are largely in employment. One of the problems we face is that of persuading employers to release their staff so that they can fully undertake their training.

There is no correlation between levels of recruitment into the Regular forces and levels of unemployment.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Will my hon. Friend consider whether, since many men and women in Northern Ireland receive training in the Ulster Defence Regiment and then leave, there should be some volunteer reserve for them?

Mr. Hayhoe

I should be prepared to consider that suggestion.

Mr. Duffy

In view of the Minister's reference to the reluctance of employers to allow time off to reservists to fulfil their training obligations, what response has there been to the Prime Minister's appeal last month to employers, especially employers in the nationalised industries?

Mr. Hayhoe

I must make clear that many employers adopt a very fine attitude towards releasing people. My criticisms were directed at a minority of employers. One understands the problems faced by small employers when the staff involved may be crucial to the operation. The appeal by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has been very well received and I am following it up. I hope that all right hon. and hon. Members will do what they can to encourage employers in this respect.

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