§ Mr. Bessellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current percentage shortfall in officer recruits to the Royal Navy.
§ Dr. David Owen:In 1969–70 the per-centage shortfall was 22 per cent.
§ Mr. Bessellasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many officers serving in the Royal Navy retired at their own request during the two years ended 31st December, 1969.
§ 631. Dr. David Owen:
§ Mr. Bessellasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many officers serving 159W in the Royal Navy applied to retire voluntarily in the six months commencing 1st October, 1969 to 31st March, 1970.
§ Dr. David Owen:127. This figure does not include the applications received for retirement under redundancy terms.