HC Deb 03 May 1974 vol 872 cc295-6W
Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning the future of the Royal Marines.

Mr. Judd

We are reviewing our defence commitments and capabilities including those of the Royal Marines against the resources likely to be available. We are well aware of the important contribution made by the Royal Marines to the defence of Britain and to NATO.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State if he will make a statement on the role played by the Royal Marines during the past five years.

Mr. Judd

Over the past five years the Royal Marines and their amphibious capability have provided with their usual excellence a valuable contribution to the defence of Britain and to NATO. They have also served with distinction in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give an assurance that the Royal Marines will not be assimilated by any other Service.

Mr. Judd

There are no plans for assimilating the Royal Marines with any other Service.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the recruiting figure for the Royal Marines; and whether this is above or below that expected.

Mr. Judd

The recruiting figures for Royal Marines for 1973–74 for officers and other ranks are 48 and 1,133 respectively. These figures are close to our expectations.