Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 9 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 May 2003. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 May 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on how many occasions since May 1997 sponsored reserves have been called up; how many were called up each time and for what service; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures and fact that RAF sponsored reserves exact occasions and numbers not recorded centrally and disproportionate cost.

Answer: Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since May 1997 sponsored reserves have been called up; how many were called up each time and for what service; and if he will make a statement. [113252] Dr. Moonie: The Royal Navy and the Army have only called out their sponsored reserves on one occasion, namely last March when 36 members of the Royal Naval sponsored reserves and two members of the Army sponsored reserves were called out to support operations in the Gulf. They all have been, or shortly will be, demobilised. Members of the RAF sponsored reserves have been called out on a regular basis since October 2000 but the exact occasions and numbers have not been recorded centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Currently, 18 members of the RAF sponsored reserves are called out for permanent service.

Secondary information