§ Mr. MansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to introduce opportunities for the employment of women in the Royal Marines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonIt is intended to extend the employment of women in the armed forces to include service in the Royal Marine band service. The recruiting process will be started shortly with a view to receiving the first female recruits at the Royal Marine school of music in the autumn of 1992. Women will serve on the same terms and conditions as male bandsmen. They will receive the same training, including weapons training, and will be expected to achieve the same standards as their male counterparts. Studies into the feasibility of women serving in the corps as commandos are continuing.