HL Deb 14 June 1984 vol 452 cc1252-3

3.10 p.m.

Viscount Mersey

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the current establishment of the Royal Naval Reserve.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, the present strength of the Royal Naval Reserve (including the Women's Royal Naval Reserve and the Queen Alexandra;s Royal Naval Nursing Service Reserve) is 5,320.

Viscount Mersey

My Lords, bearing in mind my noble friend's excellent and admirable record with regard to the Territorial Army and increasing the size of it, would he consider doing the same thing with the Royal Naval Reserve, particularly bearing in mind that their main duty in wartime would be mine sweeping? Is he further aware that against the 850 NATO mines no fewer than 26,000 Warsaw Pact mines are ranged, which is a ratio of 31:1?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I can assure my noble friend that we are considering this matter. We are looking particularly at what the RNR's role might be during wartime; and when we have finished our consideration of this aspect we shall see to it that the appropriate numbers and equipment are provided.