HC Deb 05 March 1981 vol 1000 cc177-8W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) by how much the Royal Marines are below their established strength, including 41 Commando;

(2) pursuant to his answer of 27 January, Official Report, columns 377–78, that savings will be achieved by lowering and rephasing Royal Marine recruitment to meet the needs of three instead of four Commandos, whether any reduction is being made in the total strength of the Royal Marines (a) as a result of lowering and rephasing recruitment and (b) otherwise.

Mr. Speed

As at 1 March 1981 the Royal Marines, including 41 Commando, were about 1,250 officers and men—16 per cent.—short of their established strength. In 1981–82 with only three Commandos in existence the actual trained strength of the Royal Marines is planned to rise from its present figure of 6,700 to 7,200, while the actual overall strength, including new recruits, is expected to remain unchanged.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, having regard to the fact that the independent Commando company of the Royal Marines is to be increased to a strength of some 400 men, he will rename the unit as 41 Commando so as to maintain that unit in being.

Mr. Speed

Comacchio company was formed in 1980 with a complement of 300, which is now being reviewed in the light of experience. There are, at present, no plans to alter the name of the company.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 27 January, Official Report, columns 377–78, that the four present Royal Marine Commandos are assigned to NATO and have deployment options to the northern flank and the Atlantic islands, what arrangements are to be made to replace 41 Commando in these respects when it has been disbanded.

Mr. Speed

I have no plans at present to replace 41 Commando by another unit in the circumstances mentioned.