Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve

HC Deb 27 July 1979 vol 971 c509W

Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the future of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve within the Army structure.

Mr. Hayhoe

The Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve would have a vital role to play in the event of war, both in reinforcing the regular Army in BAOR and in helping to maintain the security of the United Kingdom base. The Government will seek to ensure that the TAVR has the necessary manpower, equipment and training to enable it to fulfil this role effectively.

Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make it his policy that service over 10 years with the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve warrants a pension at the -end of such service.

Mr. Hayhoe

Permanent members of the TAVR, whether regular or non-regular, are already on pensionable engagements but it would be quite inappropriate to make part time voluntary service pensionable.