13. Mr. John M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he last reviewed the role and resources of the Royal Observer Corps; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeThe role and resources of the Royal Observer Corps are kept under regular consideration in conjunction with the Home Office. The corps continues to provide an excellent service and there are no present plans for a review.
Mr. TaylorWhile I thank my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him to say whether he is committed to sustaining the resources and morale of those who serve the Royal Observer Corps, and will he from time to time say how the great majority of the British people appreciate its vigilance?
§ Mr. LeeI am delighted to have this opportunity of paying tribute to the Royal Observer Corps. Its morale is excellent. It does a first-class job for us. There are 11,000 serving members at present and the corps costs less than £5 million a year. It is a first-class unit.