THE EARL OF CORK AND ORRERYasked His Majesty's Government whether it is proposed to issue a White Paper, or to make a statement as to the future organization, terms of service, etc., of the Reserve Forces of the Royal Navy, in particular as regards the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (VISCOUNT HALL)Terms and conditions of service for ratings of the permanent R.N.V.R. were fully described by my honourable friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty in a statement in another place on November 3 (Official Report, Columns 235–6) in connexion with the re-opening of recruiting for the pre-war Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve divisions. As was stated also on December 9 (Official Report, Column 182) urgent consideration is being given to arrangements for reserves of flying and air maintenance personnel. The whole question of the future organization of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, however, and of the Royal Naval Reserve is now under close examination in the light of the recent decisions of His Majesty's Government concerning the future of compulsory National Service. I do not, therefore, consider that it will be appropriate to issue a White Paper at this juncture.
House adjourned at twenty-two minutes before six o'clock.