Dr Julian Lewis:  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what (a) advantages and (b) disadvantages his Department has identified in the application of the principle of voluntarism to Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations.  [28559]

[Due for Answer on 19 March]

ANSWER

The Minister for the Armed Forces (James Heappey): Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations (RFCAs) are a key partner to Defence in maintaining and developing links with the communities in which they are based and with society at large. This is thanks in no small part to the sterling commitment of their voluntary membership and executive staff, the regional networks, and the close links that they have forged within their communities. However, the RFCAs also need to be representative of the communities they serve and accountable for their use of public money. These responsibilities cannot be placed upon volunteers and must lie with executive staff who conduct the day-to-day professional operations of the Associations.