Written question asked by Julian Brazier (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 October 2008. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Thursday, 30 October 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Navy: Reserve Forces

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the availability of suitable Royal Navy Reserve candidates for the post of Commander Maritime Reserves;

Answer: In November 2006, the then Commander Maritime Reserves informed the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Marine Reserve that a future incumbent of his post could either be a regular or reservist officer. It was also informed that the basis for this selection would be completely on merit. A number of candidates were considered for the post of Commander Maritime Reserves at a board convened in September 2008. The candidates were either members of the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marine Reserve, the Royal Fleet Reserve or the Active List of regular servicemen and women. The appointment of a regular officer as Commander Maritime Reserves is entirely consistent with the Royal Navy's policy of achieving full professional integration of its maritime reserves. All candidates were both reported on and considered for promotion under the common Royal Navy system of career management and promotion appropriate to the post. A number of regular senior posts within the Royal Navy remain open for competition from officers of the Royal Naval Reserve who are suitably qualified and can offer appropriate availability.

Secondary information