HC Deb 08 December 1981 vol 14 cc356-7W
36. Mr. Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to announce the number of new entry ratings who will commence their training at HMS "Raleigh" Torpoint, in January and March 1982; and if he will make a statement about future rating manpower requirements for the Royal Navy.

Mr. Wiggin

Details of ratings recruited are published quarterly. The next statement is expected to be released about the middle of February and will cover entries up to the end of December 1981. It is not our practice to provide future recruiting targets, which might be varied in the light of changes in requirements.

Manpower planning changes are still being studied but we shall announce decisions about our future plans for manpower levels in the Royal Navy as soon as possible.