§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present strength of the Royal Marines; and to what extent the strength is to be reduced.
§ Mr. GoodhartOn 1 June 1981 the trained strength of the Royal Marines was 6,850 and the overall strength, including recruits was 7,900. As to the future, I cannot add to the assurance given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence in the House on 25 June 1981 that we shall maintain the three Royal Marine Commandos.