Oral Question

Mr. Nicholas Soames (Mid-Sussex) (Con): Does the Minister agree that a pull-through from university officer training corps to the TA is extremely important, and will he confirm the great value that he attaches to OTCs? Secondly, does he realise that the reserve forces will become most attractive if they are properly funded and have the equipment that they need to do the job that they can do?

Member Answering Question: Bob Ainsworth MP, Minister for the Armed Forces:

Answer: The hon. Gentleman is right that funding for equipment is important. People want to be properly equipped when they join both the regulars and the reserves but, as he knows, that is not the end of the story. The right and relevant training is key to the offer that we make to the reserves, and that is central to the proposals in the report.

Mr. Soames: And the OTCs?

Mr. Ainsworth: I agree with the points that the hon. Gentleman made.