To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he proposes to enhance the role and status of the reserve armed forces over the next 12 months. [36577]

We aim to introduce a Reserve Forces Bill as soon as possible. I announced to the House on 30 March the publication of the Bill in draft for consultation. More than 500 written responses have been received, the great majority supportive of our proposals. Many useful detailed observations were made and the draft Bill is being revised to take account of them.