§ Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Army reservists have been asked to report to their battalion headquarters for the purpose of registration and to be issued with Army equipment; what is the cost of this exercise; what are the items to be issued; and whether or not the equipment so issued will remain permanently in the care of the reservists.
§ Mr. HayhoeSome 48,000 Army regular reservists have been asked to report to military centres under a new scheme to speed up the time for mobilising the country's immediate reserves in an emergency. They will be issued with their uniforms, which they will keep at home for as long as they remain members of the Regular Reserve; and will receive their entitlement of a taxable reporting grant of £100 and their travelling expenses. The extra cost of these new mobilisation arrangements is some £3½ million a year.