Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mark Francois and Sandra Osborne

Monday 15th April 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Francois]

I am not sure I can give my hon. Friend a precise number for how many have joined since 1 January, but I am willing to write and give him a number for how many in the Ministry of Defence are serving in the reserve forces. I am also happy to provide that information to the hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones). I am sure that, like me, he will agree with the remarks of the chairman of Durham county council, Councillor Linda Marshall, who said:

“Reservist employees are better at problem solving, they are good negotiators…their confidence grows throughout their training.”

If we can do it in Durham with the support of the county council, we can do it elsewhere.

[Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab)]

4. If he will provide an update on progress on the arms trade treaty.