asked the Secretary of State for Defence what particular offshore role the new Royal Naval Reserve Air Reserve will be expected to play.

On present plans it is intended that the Royal Naval Reserve, Air Branch, will provide a pool of trained officers to assist the Royal Navy in fulfilling two war roles: first, to augment front line squadrons engaged in anti-submarine and commando squadron roles and, second, to supplement communications flying by regular naval crews in fixed wing aircraft and helicopters for a variety of support roles.