§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what actions he has taken to promote the role of reservists arising from their contribution in Iraq; how many reservists have been recruited to the armed forces since the beginning of hostilities in that country; and if he will make a statement. [161348]
§ Mr. CaplinThe Government's aim is to continue to raise national awareness of the commitment and integration of reservists in the overall force, and to 365W acknowledge the importance of the support we receive from employers, families and of course the reservists themselves.
We provide, through the Permanent Joint Headquarters Northwood, consideration and support to journalists that apply for access to reservists serving in Iraq. The provisions of the Editors Abroad Scheme assist this task.
Supporting Britain's Reservists and Employers (SaBRE) campaign run by the MOD continues to encourage support for the Volunteer Reserve Forces amongst civilian employers. To highlight the profile of reservists, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State held a reception in autumn last year for major UK employers, to thank them for their support for reservists. Similar receptions were also held around the UK for key regional employers. In addition, two parties of journalists were sent to Iraq to specifically highlight the use of reservists with the employer audience at home. I met with a large number of Reservists during my recent visit to South East Iraq.
The number of volunteer reservists (VRs) who have been recruited since 1 March 2003 is not held centrally. Each Service records data separately and in different formats. The information available is given below:
- Royal Navy Reserve: 305
- Royal Marines Reserve: 180
- Royal Auxiliary Air Force: 295
No figures for the Territorial Army are currently available.