§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will arrange a series of visits to Royal Marine establishments at home and overseas for hon. Members, especially those who are ex-Marines, to visit the bases and discuss the problems with which Royal Marines are faced.
§ Mr. DuffyOpportunities for hon. Members to visit Royal Marine establishments were notified through the usual channels last December.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present strength of the Royal Marines.
§ Mr. DuffyAt 31st March 1978, 7,468 men—officers, warrant officers, NCOs and marines—were serving in the Royal Marines.
517W
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Marines re-engage after their initial period.
§ Mr. DuffyRoyal Marines enter initially for a period of nine years active service from age 18 or date of entry if later. They may opt for a notice engagement if they wish. For the year ending 31st December 1977 the re-engagement rate was 58.8 per cent., that is 137 men re-engaged beyond nine years out of a total of 234 men who were eligible.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence how the recruitment of Royal Marines compares with the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force.
§ Mr. WellbelovedDuring the financial year which has just ended recruitment to the Royal Marines has been good and targets have nearly all been met despite substantially increased requirements resulting from the decision to retain 41 Commando.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the places where Royal Marines have served since 1970.
§ Mr. DuffyThe Royal Marines, as well as serving at home and overseas for operational and training purposes, also visit many countries on board Her Majesty's ships. The main areas in which they have served since 1970 are
United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Malta, Iran, Bahrein, Oman, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Falkland Islands, West Indies.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give an assurance that there is no intention of disbanding the Royal Marines and making them part of the Army within the next 10 years.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has taken steps to ensure that the suggestions made by the 518W hon. Member for Huddersfield, West concerning Royal Marines quarters in Norway have been carried out.
§ Mr. DuffyThe suggestions made by my hon. Friend will be taken into consideration. Accommodation for the Royal Marines in Norway is arranged annually through the Norweigan Government, who are co-operating in efforts to improve facilities.