§ Lord Grimthorpeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the average interval between an ex-regular Army officer applying to join the Territorial Army and his acceptance into the force; whether they are satisfied that this process is as fast as possible; whether the process is faster or slower for ex-officers of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force; and whether they will take steps to ensure that the interval is reduced to the minimum.
§ The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Lord Trefgarne)The average interval between applicaton and acceptance of an ex-regular officer is about two and half months. The average interval for ex-officers of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force joining their respective volunteer reserves is slightly longer. We are satisfied that the process for considering applications of ex-regular Army officers for the TA is as fast as possible, and the process is kept under review to minimise delays.