HL Deb 22 October 1998 vol 593 c182WA
Baroness Lockwood

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their policy on the deployment of young people under the age of 17 years in the Naval Service. [HL3527]

The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert)

Following a review of the policy on deployment of young people into operational service in Royal Navy vessels and Royal Marine units we have decided that, with immediate effect, Naval Service personnel will not be so deployed below the age of 17. Recruitment and training at age 16 will, however, continue. This change brings the Naval Service into line with practice in the Army and RAF.