asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the future rôle of the Royal Navy.

The precise tasks of all three Services are being studied in the course of the Defence Review, but no change is envisaged in the basic rôle of the Navy.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there have been reports of a very severe reduction in the rôle of the Royal Navy? Is he aware that that would cause great concern among many people already in the Service?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of all those reports, but I must ask my hon. Friend to wait until decisions are taken.