§ Mr. Trippierasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has any plans to change the pattern of entry of Royal Marine officers.
§ Mr. SpeedYes. The current five-year commission will be replaced by a four-year term later this year. A reduction of one year will widen the field of recruitment and still allow an adequate return on training. It is hoped that a number of young men recruited under the new arrangements will in the event choose to serve for a longer period.