asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many officers and ratings recalled, or retained after they have become due for release, are still serving and what steps are being taken to replace them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what steps are being taken to arrange for the progressive release from the Royal Navy of men still serving on Regular engagements, whose term of engagement has already been completed.

There are 148 officers and 5,035 ratings at present serving who are either recalled Reservists or have been retained beyond their terms of engagement. Men will be released at the end of 18 months of such service. The process of retention is continuous and, as long as the international situation so requires, these men will be replaced by others similarly recalled or retained.