Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to promote the participation of young people in the Sea Cadets organisation.

The Government and the Royal Navy recognise the positive impact Sea Cadets has on young people, helping them to build resilient futures for themselves and their communities. We support the charity with a Grant in Aid payment in the region of £10 million, providing almost half of the cost of delivering the Sea Cadets. We also second personnel to key positions, offering role models that inspire and guide cadets, as well as providing accommodation, equipment, and some training through related facilities on the Ministry of Defence estate. In addition we support the charity's commitment to deliver 10% of the Cadet Expansion Programme, opening 23 units by 2020 helping to make the Sea Cadets Experience accessible to all.