Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:43-4:25

Naval housing and the reserve shortfall

A parliamentary question links redundant naval accommodation to service families before the debate turns to a 1,500-person reserve shortfall.

Military HousingNaval ReservesPersonnel RetentionRoyal NavyService Families
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Question

Could redundant naval accommodation be made available to serving or departing sailors' families?

Short answer

Speed says the government is considering selling married quarters to servicemen and will address it further in the debate.

Notes

Frederick Burden asks whether redundant naval accommodation could support the families of sailors still serving or leaving the Navy. Speed says the government is considering selling married quarters to servicemen. The answer links disposal policy with family welfare and retention. He then reports that the Royal Naval Reserve is about 1,500 people below its planned strength of 6,750. Improved training bounties are intended to make service more attractive. New mine-sweeping trawlers are also expected to improve recruiting and retention by giving reservists a clear operational role and modern equipment.